Reality Vs Perception: What is the difference between perception and reality and what is the impact on mass communication?

Although perception and reality can be considered similar states, there are several key distinctions. Reality can be described as, “something that exists independently of all other things and from which all other things derive”(www.dictionary.com). In other words, reality is the way things actually are without any room for interpretation.

On the other hand, perception is , “the process by which an organism detects and interprets information from the external world by means of the sensory receptors” (www.dictionary). Essentially this means that perception is determined by each individual's background and level of comprehension.

Reality and perception both are crucial elements in mass communication. Even though the mass communication product is a set group of images, the products are subject to each individual's perception. People of different ages, ethnicities, and social groups all interpret messages differently. For example, some kids may believe everything they see on television is real, but adults know that is not necessarily the case. They understand that it is special effects, make-up, or anything other kind of technique. Therefore, mass media is geared towards specific audiences.

Works Cited

"Perception." Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com, n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2012. <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/perception?s=t>.

"Reality." Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com, n.d. Web. 17 Sept. 2012. <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/reality?s=t>.