学英语不是这么学的，同学。
既然你已经能够感觉到这里的exert的意思是“造成、引起”，再问这样的问题（exert在这里是否用得恰当）就没有意义了。
你不可能从词典上学到一个词的所有释义。建议你多翻翻英英词典。
在韦伯词典上，exert的解释如下：
1 a: to put forth (as strength) <the force is exerted sideways>
b: to put (oneself) into action or to tiring effort <won't have to exert himself moving the table>
2: to bring to bear especially with sustained effort or lasting effect <exerted a bad influence on his students>
3:employ, wield<exerted her leadership abilities intelligently>