Well, you can "say" something over a channel but that does not "create" the perception that it is popular. So, this paper describes how things are perceived as

Well, you can "say" something over a channel but that does not "create" the perception that it is popular. So, this paper describes how things are perceived as popular when they are not really popular in a "numerical" sense. When Johnny says "everyone" is doing it, what he means is that all of the people he listens too are saying that "everyone" is doing it. In fact, only 2 people are doing it.