reception theory

Reception theory is a concept in media and literary studies that focuses on how audiences interpret and find meaning in texts, rather than solely examining the intentions of the creators. It emphasizes that each individual brings their own experiences, emotions, and cultural backgrounds to their understanding of a work, which leads to diverse interpretations. Essentially, reception theory highlights the active role of the audience in shaping the meaning of a text, suggesting that meaning is not fixed but rather created through the interactions between the text and its readers or viewers.