The exposure effect refers to the phenomenon where repeated exposure to a stimulus leads to a more positive perception of it. Every day, we are exposed to various stimuli—through television, social media, conversations, or billboards on the streets. These images or sounds can be either beneficial or harmful. The key issue here is whether this exposure is consciously chosen.
Most of the time, exposure occurs subconsciously, embedding itself into our minds and shaping our future behaviors. Just as someone who watches football every day naturally talks about football, someone frequently exposed to the Quran begins to adopt its language.
POSITIVE EXPOSURE
Now, let’s listen to Master Nursî on this topic:
“Whoever immerses themselves deeply in something will generally become estranged from everything else.” (Risale-i Nur Collection)
In other words, if a person constantly engages with something and exposes themselves to it, they become fully connected to it with all their faculties. Consequently, their interest and connection to other things gradually fade and diminish over time. This attachment and engagement can happen either consciously or unconsciously.
Examples of Positive Exposure:
- The repetition of verses in the Qur’an allows our Merciful Lord to regularly expose us to beneficial and constructive messages.
- The repetition in prayers: “Guide us to the straight path.” (Al-Fatiha/6)
- Daily supplications from Hadiths: “O Allah, who turns hearts from one state to another, keep my heart steadfast in Your religion!” (Tirmidhi, Qadar 7, Supplications 90, 124)
- Regular exposure through Risale-i Nur reminders, such as those regarding prayer: “Every new day is an opening to a new world for you and for everyone. If you do not perform your prayer, your world for that day will fade away in darkness and disorder. It will bear witness against you in the realm of spirits.” (Risale-i Nur Collection)
- Regular reading habits
- Personal readings
- Prayer recitations: Five times a day, we immerse ourselves in supplications and heartfelt prayers.
Regular exposure to such positive, beneficial, and wise repetitions can:
- Help us become genuine Quran students throughout our lives,
- Lead to a happy life in this world,
- Ensure our worldly affairs run smoothly,
- Contribute to our spiritual, intellectual, and physical well-being,
- And ultimately, by Allah’s will, allow us to enter the grave with faith.
NEGATIVE EXPOSURE
“The capital of life is very limited, yet the necessary tasks are numerous.” (Risale-i Nur Collection)
This section concerns how much time we dedicate to exposure—what we immerse ourselves in. How many minutes of our 24-hour day are spent on positive exposure?
Examples of Negative Exposure:
- Watching endless news cycles (See: Risale-i Nur Collection)
- Excessive TV series consumption (Even historical and religious series often contain elements of conflict and negativity.)
- The subconscious impact of excessive advertising, which encourages overconsumption.
- Unnecessary scrolling on smartphones
- Gossip
- Complaints: Complaining is a learned behavior. If we are frequently exposed to people who complain about everything, we may subconsciously adopt this habit as well.
This list could go on indefinitely. The question is: How much of our 24-hour day is occupied by these?
“The capital of life is very limited, yet the necessary tasks are numerous.” (Risale-i Nur Collection)
WHAT CAN I DO?
- I should consciously choose what I am exposed to.
- When watching something, I should be selective: Is this beneficial for my worldly and eternal life?
- When speaking, I should be selective: Is this beneficial for my worldly and eternal life?
- Whether at home, on the subway, on a bus, during a picnic, or while walking, I should expose myself to positive influences:
- Listen to online Quran lessons. (Our subtle faculties, such as the mind and imagination, record and utilize this knowledge.)
- Read and listen to the Qur’an. (Repeated exposure familiarizes our hearts, souls, and tongues with the divine message.)
- Participate in discussions.
- Engage in lessons or positive conversations with family members.
- Learn something related to my profession.
- Listen to, watch, or read something that contributes to my personal and spiritual development or helps solve a worldly problem. (This list can be expanded individually.)
I intend, for the sake of Allah, to expose myself daily to what is beneficial and aligned with my Creator’s pleasure. Bismillah.
