they mean the same, except: affect is a verb "to affect someone" effect is a noun "to have an effect on someone" these two example sentences, above, have the same meaning. Also these two are the same: "He affected me significantly. The effect he had on me was significant".

Most generally, affect is used as a verb and effect is used as a noun. When something ‘affects’ something, it produces an ‘effect’ on it. In some situations ‘effect’ is also used as a verb while ‘affect’ is applied as a noun. When ‘affect’ is used as a verb (used with object), it gives the following meanings To act on; produce an effect or change in Ex: Rain affected the crops To impress the mind; move the feeling of Ex: Her love affected him so deeply When ‘affect’ is used as a noun Psychology, feeling or emotion In psychiatry: observed emotional response that is restricted, flat, or blunted affect, a symptom of mental illness, especially schizophrenia. Synonyms of ‘affect’: act on, alter, change, disturb, induce, influence, involve, modify, move, overcome, relate, transform, simulate, take on

This is an excellent online dictionary which will help you with your question and others you might have in future: www.thefreedictionary.com

http://www.differencebetween.net/language/difference-between-affect-and-effect/

Effect (Noun) Something that is produced by a cause; result; consequence Ex: Exposure to the sunlight had the effect of on your eyes. Power to produce results; efficacy; force; validity; influence: Ex: Susan’s stubbornness had no effect on Phill’s mind. The state of being effective, accomplishment or fulfillment: EX: put your plan into effect. Adding special effect Effect (Verb) –used with objects Produce as an effect; bring about; accomplish something; make it happen: Ex: His new ideas about iPhone finally effected the transition. Synonyms of ‘effect’: aftereffect, aftermath, backlash, backwash, chain reaction, conclusion, consequence, development, end, end product, event, eventuality, follow-up, issue, outcome, outgrowth, precipitate, pursuance, reaction, reflex, response, sequel, sequence, side effect Summary: As a noun ‘affect’ indicates ‘a feeling or emotion,’ whereas ‘effect’ means ‘the consequence of some action or process’ As a verb, ‘affect’ means ‘to exert an influence upon,’ whereas to ‘effect’ indicates ‘to bring about as a result’