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

The correct answer is Option 1: Reinforcement and validation of one's opinions and values

According to psychologists, one key reason people are attracted to others with similar opinions and values is that such similarity provides reinforcement and validation of their own beliefs. When someone agrees with us, it makes us feel that our views are correct and accepted, which boosts our self-esteem and promotes liking and affiliation.

"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."

Note: Both Option 1 and Option 2 can be correct for this question. Since we have to choose the best option, Option 1 (reinforcement and validation) is more specific, while Option 2 (preference for consistency) is a broader psychological principle. Here’s a simple real-world example showing how both Option 1 (reinforcement) and Option 2 (consistency) work together:

Ananya and Riya, two students, meet during a discussion on climate change. When Ananya says that protecting the environment is important, Riya immediately agrees and shares that she works with a tree-planting NGO. This makes Ananya feel good because her own views are being supported and validated, which naturally makes her like Riya. Also, because their beliefs match, their friendship feels smooth and consistent. This shows that first, reinforcement and validation happen (Option 1), and then consistency in their views (Option 2) further strengthens their bond.