Communication is the process of sending, receiving, and interpreting information, while interaction is the reciprocal exchange or influence that occurs during communication.
Based on the provided reference:
Communication is the foundational process involving:
- Sending information.
- Receiving information.
- Interpreting information.
It's the flow of data from one point to another, potentially with feedback.
Interaction is a specific outcome or characteristic of communication. It occurs if the information exchange leads to:
- A reciprocal influence.
- A back and forth between the sender and receiver.
Think of it this way: all interaction involves communication, but not all communication results in interaction.
Breaking Down the Difference
Here’s a simplified view:
| Feature | Communication | Interaction |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Process of information exchange (send, receive, interpret) | Reciprocal influence / back-and-forth exchange |
| Relationship | Broader term; can be one-way or multi-way | Specific type or outcome of communication; requires reciprocity |
| Dependency | Can happen without leading to interaction | Requires communication to occur |
Examples
Let's illustrate the difference:
-
Communication without significant Interaction:
- Reading a book or article (information is sent and received/interpreted, but no immediate back-and-forth with the author).
- Listening to a recorded lecture (information sent, received, interpreted, but no direct influence exchange with the speaker in real-time).
- Receiving an automatic email notification.
-
Communication leading to Interaction:
- Having a conversation with someone (information sent, received, interpreted, with continuous back-and-forth responses influencing the direction of the exchange).
- Participating in a live Q&A session (questions are sent, answers received, and interpretations lead to further questions or clarifications – a reciprocal flow).
- Collaborating on a project where ideas are exchanged and built upon by participants.
In essence, communication is the act of conveying information, while interaction is the dynamic, mutual exchange and influence that can arise from that communication process.
