According to psychologists, what is one explanation for why people start liking others who have similar opinions and values?

Reinforcement and validation of one's opinions and values

Similarity: Continued exposure to someone allows us to assess our similarities, leading to the formation of groups. Why do we tend to like people who are similar to us? Psychologists have offered various explanations. One explanation is that people prefer consistency and enjoy relationships that align with their own values. When two individuals share similarities, there is consistency, and they tend to develop mutual liking. For instance, if you enjoy playing cricket and find another person in your class who shares the same passion, there is a matching of interests, increasing the likelihood of friendship. Another explanation suggests that encountering similar individuals reinforces and validates our opinions and values, making us feel more confident and drawn to them. Suppose you hold the opinion that excessive television viewing, due to its portrayal of excessive violence, is detrimental. If you meet someone who shares this view, their agreement validates your opinion, leading to an affinity towards the person who supported your viewpoint.