Heterophily is the degree to which pairs of individuals who interact are different in certain attributes. Heterophily is the opposite of homophily. Homophily occurs frequently because communication is more effective when source and receiver are homophilous. When two individuals share common meanings, beliefs, and mutual understandings, communication between them is more likely to be effective. Individuals enjoy the comfort of interacting with others who are similar. Talking with those who are markedly different requires more effort to make communication effective. Heterophilious communication between dissimilar individuals may cause cognitive dissonance because an individual is exposed to messages that are inconsistent with existing beliefs, an uncomfortable psychological state.