Shared Reality

Shared reality, the subjective experience of having common inner states (e.g., feelings, beliefs, attitudes) shared with others, is a vital component of human interaction. Central to various fields of psychology, research in this field has examined ways in which individuals achieve shared reality, thereby fulfilling fundamental existential needs for meaning and social connection. This chapter delves into shared reality within interpersonal and intergroup relations, starting with audience tuned communication in the saying-is-believing paradigm, where people spontaneously align their opinions with strangers. We then explore the distinctions between target-specific and generalized shared reality, which differently characterize interactions with strangers and close relationships. We then extend the scope of our review to behavioral markers of shared reality in dyadic conversations and examine the impact of shared reality on the quality of close relationships in everyday life. The chapter concludes by suggesting future research avenues, including online field studies and cross-cultural investigations, to deepen our understanding of this essential psychological phenomenon and its broader implications.