How can personal biases influence the communication process?

Personal biases can significantly distort perception, impacting the clarity and effectiveness of communication. These biases affect how individuals interpret messages, leading them to see information through a subjective lens rather than an objective one. For example, if someone holds a preconceived notion about a particular group, they may interpret messages from members of that group in a skewed manner, potentially causing misunderstandings.

When personal biases come into play, the interpretation of information may be influenced more by the communicator's or receiver's personal beliefs and experiences than by the actual content of the message. This can lead to miscommunication, where the intended message is not received as it was meant, or where assumptions are made that divert from the original context. Thus, the process of communication is compromised, resulting in barriers to understanding and collaboration.