What could be a consequence of not understanding a text's intended audience?

Not understanding a text's intended audience can lead to misinterpretation of the text's message. This is because different texts are crafted with specific audiences in mind, influencing the language, tone, and themes used. If a reader does not grasp who the intended audience is, they may fail to fully recognize the nuances of the message or the author's purpose. For example, content that uses colloquial language or references specific cultural contexts can be easily misunderstood by readers outside of that demographic, leading to confusion about the overall meaning or intent. Recognizing the audience helps readers engage with the text more effectively and critically, ensuring that the purpose behind the writing is clear.