The interaction model shows communication as a two-directional process that incorporates feedback into communication between sender and receiver (see Figure 1.2). Feedback is a message from the receiver to the sender that illustrates how the receiver is responding. As with the linear model, noise may occur along the way.

Feedback can be a verbal message (your friend invites you to a party on Friday night, and you reply, “About nine?”), a nonverbal message (your roommate is telling you about a movie, and you look up, smile, and nod while you are listening), or both (you frown while saying, “I don’t think I understand”). Through feedback, communicators in the interaction model are both senders and receivers of messages.

Instant messaging is a good example of how the interaction model can be applied in mediated situations; you get feedback, but it’s not in “real time.” For example, while G-chatting, Melissa takes some time in composing her response to Howard’s last comment; during the delay, Howard may log off, thinking that Melissa has lost interest.