Appeal to novelty (argumentum ad novitatem)

Biological Parallel

Female guppies exhibit neophilia—preference for males with novel color patterns—because new traits signal recent mutation and genetic diversity, reducing inbreeding risk. This novelty-seeking is adaptive in mate choice but generalizes poorly: a new predator isn't better than an old one. The appeal to novelty exploits sexual selection circuits where 'different' indicated genetic quality. Modern contexts inverted this: technological and social change now often means untested risk, but our preference for the shiny and new persists from mating markets.