Sound effects are artificial or enhanced sounds used in various media, such as movies, video games, and theater, to create a more immersive experience. They can mimic real-life sounds, like footsteps or thunder, or be entirely imaginative, like the sounds of alien creatures. These effects are created using various techniques, including recording real sounds, manipulating audio digitally, or synthesizing sounds with electronic instruments. Sound effects help convey emotions, set the atmosphere, and enhance storytelling by making scenes more engaging and believable for the audience.