ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Processing fluency theory of aesthetic pleasure

Have you ever heard the saying "easy on the eyes"? It means something is pleasant to look at because it doesn't strain your eyes too much. That's kind of like the processing fluency theory of aesthetic pleasure.

Here's how it works: When you see something that's easy to understand, your brain really likes it. It feels good to your brain because it doesn't have to work very hard to figure it out. And when your brain feels good, you feel good too! That's why you might see a pretty picture and feel happy, or hear a catchy song and want to dance.

But sometimes, things can be too easy to understand. If there's no challenge at all, your brain might get bored. That's why artists and designers sometimes add a little bit of complexity to their work. They do this to keep your brain interested, but not so much that it gets overwhelmed.

Overall, the processing fluency theory of aesthetic pleasure says that you enjoy things that are easy for your brain to process, but not too easy. It's kind of like finding that perfect balance between enjoying something and being challenged by it.
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