This paper examines several foundational communication theories as presented by Littlejohn and Foss, drawing on both constructionist and abstract frameworks of the human mind. It addresses the role of cooperation in communication, analyzing accommodation theory and interpersonal deception theory. The paper then distinguishes between ritual and transmission models of communication, using everyday examples to illustrate the difference. Finally, it evaluates social media — particularly Facebook — through the lens of Uncertainty Reduction Theory, questioning the platform's value and authenticity as a vehicle for relationship formation and information sharing.
A unique feature of the human mind is that it requires two distinct yet complementary sides that work in concert to bring about reality. In most accounts, the right side of the brain is the more abstract and artistic component, while the left side functions as a modeling or constructionist component. Using this framework, both components must come together, each contributing its influence to the total picture.
Littlejohn and Foss use these two distinctions as a meta-model and base the rest of their arguments on these two methods of deciphering communication. While this argument spans many academic disciplines, it presents what these authors treat as an ontological problem. Being, existence, and becoming are too subtle and complicated to be addressed solely by words and models. The fundamental organization of the mind is what brings things into being, requiring both constructionist and abstract modes of thinking to make living in this world intelligible and manageable.
Cooperation entails consent. Everything beyond matters of life and death should be considered a consensual activity. Any verbal exchange requires both a speaker and a receiver actively communicating with one another. Cooperation simply means working together with another person — not necessarily in perfect harmony. The act of discussion or argument alone signifies that some level of cooperation is present, whether participants are consciously aware of it or not.
Accommodation theory and interpersonal deception theory, two frameworks introduced by Littlejohn and Foss, demonstrate how cooperation lies at the heart of most communication. Accommodation theory suggests that when people speak with one another, they subconsciously adjust their vocal and speech patterns — a subtle but real sign of cooperation. Interpersonal deception theory extends this idea further: cooperation is understood as an interactive process in which deception itself is used to reveal deeper meanings within a communicative exchange.
"Distinguishing ritual from transmission models"
"Facebook and uncertainty reduction in social media"
Always verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.