What does psychological noise in communication refer to?

Psychological noise in communication specifically refers to emotional barriers to understanding. This type of noise occurs when an individual's feelings, attitudes, or preconceived notions interfere with their ability to receive or interpret a message accurately. For example, if someone is upset or feeling defensive, their emotional state may cloud their understanding of what is being communicated, leading to misinterpretation or confusion.

In contrast, environmental distractions pertain to physical factors in the surrounding environment, such as loud sounds or visual interruptions, which affect the clarity of communication but do not involve the internal mental state of the individuals involved. Technical interruptions, such as problems with equipment or technology, also represent external factors affecting communication but are not linked to the psychological state of the communicators. Similarly, social anxiety during interactions can influence communication but is a specific condition related to an individual's discomfort in social situations, rather than a general psychological barrier. Thus, emotional barriers distinctly capture the essence of psychological noise in the context of communication.