What takes place when a receiver distorts information to make it fit their "mental map" of reality? Selective perception clarification ethics cultural differences critical thinking?

The correct answer is "selective perception".

The term was origined when studying people's reaction to the information displayed in the media, but was soon broadened to involve all behaviours that consist on forgetting or ignoring those stimuli that contradict preconceived ideas or prior beliefs, because they generate some sort of emotional discomfort. In conclusion, people understand or interpret things inside their particular frames or reference.