The cheerleader effect, also known as the group attractiveness effect, is a cognitive bias where individuals are perceived as more attractive when seen in a group compared to when they are viewed alone. This effect suggests that people may be rated as 1.5–2.0% more attractive in a group setting, stemming from underlying cognitive mechanisms related to visual processing and social perception.
Barney Stinson, a character from 'How I Met Your Mother,' notes that a group of women appears more attractive together than individually. This observation exemplifies the cheerleader effect, as individuals can be perceived as more appealing due to their association with a group.
To counteract the cheerleader effect, focus on evaluating individuals based on their unique qualities rather than their context within a group. Slowing down the assessment process can help in making more impartial judgments.