Bateson's Communication Theory

Bateson’s Communication Theory emphasizes that communication is a complex, ongoing process involving multiple levels of understanding. It highlights that messages are not just about words but also include non-verbal cues and contexts, creating patterns of interaction. Bateson believed that effective communication relies on “metacommunication,” or signals about how to interpret messages. Sometimes, misunderstandings occur when messages conflict or when people are unaware of these underlying cues. His theory underscores that human interaction is a dynamic system where meaning is constructed through relationships, feedback, and context, influencing how we connect and respond to one another.