Interaction versus Communication
Karen Vaartjes, Management Consultant, Netherlands, Member
In my opinion communication is a container for any means of expression. It is a more abstract definition than interaction and is not related to any specific relationship, but refers to any information or expression that is being transmitted, in any way (non verbal and verbal).
For example, art can be communicative: it sends out a message, although it might not always be picked up. But whether or not the information or expression is being picked up, it still is considered communication, because information or expression is transmitted.
Interaction however, is (normally) related to people and is happening between two or more people or other living entities, such as animals. It is action and re-action related, and refers to that what is happening in a relationship. Art can (normally) not be interactive. It may send out a message, but is (normally) unable to respond to the reaction of the person looking at the art. So responsiveness to action and reaction is conditional for interaction to take place.
