Social representations are shared beliefs and understandings that groups of people develop about various aspects of their world. These representations help individuals make sense of their experiences and communicate with others. They can include ideas about culture, social norms, and even scientific concepts, shaping how communities perceive reality. These representations are formed through social interactions and are influenced by factors like media, education, and tradition. They play a crucial role in guiding behavior and attitudes, as they provide a framework for interpreting events and experiences within a specific social context.