Transmission Isn’t Communication

Sending messages is not the same as communication. Communication requires shared understanding.

We live in a storm of mediated messages. Most supposed communication is just noise. Like ads that few people pay attention to.

Bruce Springsteen once sung about “57 Channels (And Nothin’ On).” Little did he know how many channels there would be in the age of social networking.

We all fire off messages. Is anyone really listening? Is there much real communication? Shared understanding?

The power to transmit messages creates the illusion of true communication.

— Q