Representation refers to how people, places, ideas and concepts are portrayed in media and images. There are several theories about how representation works, including that the media reflects and shapes our view of reality, and that popular culture signs and images dominate our sense of self and world. Representation is linked to postmodern ideas like hyperreality, where the distinction between reality and its media depiction is blurred. Key issues in representation include how portrayals seem natural, the use of stereotypes, and what social groups and concepts are depicted or left out of media.