Reception theory is a framework in literary and media studies that focuses on how audiences interpret and understand texts. It emphasizes that meaning is not solely created by the author but is also shaped by the individual experiences, cultural backgrounds, and contexts of the audience. This approach highlights the active role of readers or viewers in constructing meaning from a work. The theory emerged in the mid-20th century, influenced by thinkers like Hans Robert Jauss and Wolfgang Iser. It encourages the exploration of diverse interpretations and responses to texts, recognizing that different audiences may derive various meanings from the same work based on their unique perspectives.