Interaction vs. Communication — What's the Difference?

Influence exerted between parties.

A process involving senders and receivers.

Mutual actions between entities.

Mutual understanding achieved through exchange.

A responsive engagement between systems.

Communication (from Latin communicare, meaning "to share"or "to be in relation with") is "an apparent answer to the painful divisions between self and other, private and public, and inner thought and outer word." As this definition indicates, communication is difficult to define in a consistent manner, because it is commonly used to refer to a wide range of different behaviors (broadly: "the transfer of information"), or to limit what can be included in the category of communication (for example, requiring a "conscious intent" to persuade). John Peters argues the difficulty of defining communication emerges from the fact that communication is both a universal phenomena (because everyone communicates), and a specific discipline of institutional academic study.One possible definition of communication is the act of developing meaning among entities or groups through the use of sufficiently mutually understood signs, symbols, and semiotic conventions.

Non-verbal or passive connection.

The act of communicating; transmission.

Interaction is a kind of action that occurs as two or more objects have an effect upon one another. The idea of a two-way effect is essential in the concept of interaction, as opposed to a one-way causal effect.

The exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by speech, signals, writing, or behavior.

The act or process of interacting.

Interpersonal rapport.

The state of undergoing interaction.

The art and technique of using words effectively to impart information or ideas.

(Physics) See fundamental interaction.

The field of study concerned with the transmission of information by various means, such as print or broadcasting.

The situation or occurrence in which two or more objects or events act upon one another to produce a new effect; the effect resulting from such a situation or occurrence.

Any of various professions involved with the transmission of information, such as advertising, broadcasting, or journalism.

A conversation or exchange between people.

Something communicated; a message.

Intermediate action.

A system, such as mail, telephone, or television, for sending and receiving messages.

Mutual or reciprocal action or influence; as, the interaction of the heart and lungs on each other.

A network of routes for sending messages and transporting troops and supplies.

The effect, such as exertion of a force, that one object exerts on another, especially the capture or emission of a particle.

Communications The technology employed in transmitting messages.

Communication between people, or the actions of people that affect others.

(Biology) The transfer of information from one molecule, cell, or organism to another, as by chemical or electrical signals or by behaviors.

A mutual or reciprocal action; interacting

An opening or connecting passage between two structures.

(physics) the transfer of energy between elementary particles or between an elementary particle and a field or between fields; mediated by gauge bosons

A joining or connecting of solid fibrous structures, such as tendons and nerves.

A dynamic exchange between forces.

The act or fact of communicating anything; transmission.

(uncountable) The concept or state of exchanging data or information between entities.

A message; the essential data transferred in an act of communication.

The body of all data transferred to one or both parties during an act of communication.

An instance of information transfer; a conversation or discourse.

A passageway or opening between two locations; connection.

(anatomy) A connection between two tissues, organs, or cavities.

(obsolete) Association; company.

Participation in Holy Communion.

(rhetoric) A trope by which a speaker assumes that his hearer is a partner in his sentiments, and says "we" instead of "I" or "you".

The act or fact of communicating; as, communication of smallpox; communication of a secret.

Intercourse by words, letters, or messages; interchange of thoughts or opinions, by conference or other means; conference; correspondence.

Association; company.

Means of communicating; means of passing from place to place; a connecting passage; connection.

That which is communicated or imparted; intelligence; news; a verbal or written message.

Participation in the Lord's supper.

A trope, by which a speaker assumes that his hearer is a partner in his sentiments, and says we, instead of I or you.

The activity of communicating; the activity of conveying information;

Something that is communicated by or to or between people or groups

A connection allowing access between persons or places;

Conveyance of information between parties.

Transmission of feelings or ideas.

Use of language, signs, or systems to convey meaning.

Yes, Interactions can be passive and happen without explicit intent, unlike Communication which requires intent.

The chosen medium can influence the clarity, speed, and effectiveness of Communication.

No, while every Communication is an Interaction, not all Interactions are forms of Communication.

Yes, two objects can interact, like through gravitational pull, without communicating.

Yes, digital platforms introduce new modes of Interaction and Communication, often making them more immediate and global.

Yes, misunderstandings can result from misinterpreted Interactions or miscommunications.

The primary goal of Communication is to convey information, feelings, or ideas between parties.

Yes, body language is a form of non-verbal Interaction and can also convey messages, making it a form of Communication.

Interaction is broader, encompassing any form of mutual influence, while Communication is a specific type of Interaction.

Yes, animals engage in both Interaction (like territorial displays) and Communication (like bird calls).

Mutual understanding ensures that the message is correctly received and interpreted as intended by the sender.

No, Communication can be verbal, non-verbal, written, or through signs and symbols.

Yes, frequent Interaction can foster understanding and improve Communication between parties.

Feedback can enhance both Interaction and Communication by providing clarity and mutual understanding.

Modern technologies have facilitated faster, broader, and sometimes more impersonal forms of Interaction and Communication.