Glossary

A leadership style that sets high standards, challenges group members to excel, and motivates through a shared vision of success.

Fully focusing on the speaker by paying attention, withholding judgment, and responding thoughtfully to build understanding.

The process by which media outlets influence what the public thinks about by giving more attention to certain issues and ignoring others.

The ability to understand, evaluate, and responsibly use artificial intelligence tools. This includes knowing how algorithms work, recognizing bias in AI systems, and reflecting on their ethical and social impact.

A systematic distortion in outcomes produced by algorithms, often reflecting existing social inequalities and reinforcing stereotypes or marginalization through the data they are trained on.

Step-by-step instructions used by digital platforms to sort, rank, and personalize the content we see online.

Listening for enjoyment or aesthetic value, such as when engaging with music, storytelling, or a powerful speech.

An identity assigned to a person by others, often based on stereotypes, assumptions, or societal expectations rather than self-definition.

Communication that doesn’t happen in real time, allowing people to send and respond to messages at different times. Examples include emails, discussion boards, or text messages.

A leadership style in which the leader makes decisions unilaterally, with little or no input from group members. This style can be efficient but may limit collaboration and creativity.

An identity a person claims and communicates for themselves, reflecting how they see and define who they are.

Educational programs designed to help individuals recognize and reduce unconscious or implicit biases in communication and decision-making.

Part of the Johari Window; traits others see in us that we don’t see in ourselves.

A specific directive or invitation given to an audience to take action following a message, such as joining a cause, voting, or starting a conversation.

Skills identified by employers as essential for success in the workplace, such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and professionalism.

A rigid social structure where individuals’ positions are fixed at birth and mobility between social levels is nearly impossible

A group communication pattern where one central member controls or facilitates all communication, such as in a “wheel” formation.

The medium through which a message is sent, such as face-to-face, email, text, or social media.

The study of how time affects communication, including punctuality and response time.

A decentralized group communication pattern where each member connects with two others, forming a loop. Promotes collaboration and equal participation.

A more flexible system of stratification where social mobility is possible, though often influenced by structural factors and access to resources.

Overused phrases that have lost originality or impact

The emotional tone or atmosphere of a group, shaped by communication patterns. A positive climate feels supportive, inclusive, and respectful, while a negative climate may feel tense or dismissive.

A social group that exists within a larger dominant culture and has its own distinct norms, values, or communication practices (e.g., generational, racial, or ability-based groups).

The practice of shifting between different language styles or dialects depending on context, audience, or setting.

The sense of belonging, trust, and commitment that members feel toward their group. High cohesion strengthens collaboration, motivation, and group identity.

Cultures that emphasize group harmony, interdependence, and collective well-being. In collectivist cultures, people are encouraged to prioritize group goals over personal desires and define their identity through relationships, roles, and group membership. Examples include Japan, China, and many Latin American and African countries.

Informal words or phrases used in everyday conversation, often specific to a region or culture.

The process of treating education like a product, where students are viewed as consumers and learning is framed as a transaction.

The process of sharing information, ideas, and feelings in a way that allows understanding to take place. It includes both verbal and nonverbal forms and is shaped by social context and culture.

A failure in understanding or connection between communicators, often resulting from barriers like bias, power imbalances, or misinterpretation.

The emotional tone of a relationship or group, shaped by how people feel valued, respected, and supported in their interactions.

The ability to communicate effectively and appropriately in different contexts by balancing clarity, empathy, cultural awareness, and social expectations.

A person who communicates effectively and respectfully across cultural differences. They show awareness of their own cultural perspective, listen with empathy, and adapt their communication to promote understanding.

A macro-level theory that emphasizes power struggles, inequality, and the ways dominant groups maintain control over resources and communication.

The tendency for group members to align with shared norms or expectations, often due to internal or external pressures.

A family communication pattern that stresses obedience, agreement, and uniformity in beliefs and behaviors.

A decision-making method in which all group members agree on a final decision, often requiring compromise and collaboration.

Buying and using goods to display social status and signal wealth, rather than for practical use.

The process by which platforms review and manage user-generated content. It can include removing harmful posts but may also reflect political or cultural bias.

The social, cultural, and situational background that shapes how messages are interpreted. It includes physical space, relationships, and expectations.

The merging of multiple audiences into a single space in digital communication. A post intended for friends might also be seen by coworkers, family, or strangers, requiring users to manage their self-presentation across diverse groups.

A family communication pattern that emphasizes open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas among family members.

Listening to evaluate or analyze a message. This style involves assessing arguments, identifying biases, and making informed judgments.

The ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact across cultures by acknowledging differences and adapting communication accordingly.

The sharing of traditions, languages, values, and creative expression between cultures. It can build understanding but may also involve power imbalances.

The process by which dominant cultural values, norms, or practices spread globally, often at the expense of local traditions and identities.

An approach to cross-cultural interaction that emphasizes openness, ongoing self-reflection, and recognition of one’s own limitations.

A sense of belonging based on cultural values, traditions, language, and social norms, often tied to race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, or region.

When one culture, usually from a powerful nation or region, dominates others by spreading its values, media, or practices globally, often unintentionally erasing or marginalizing other cultures.

Shared rules or expectations for behavior within a specific cultural group. They guide how people act, speak, and relate to one another in particular contexts.

The shared beliefs, values, norms, and symbols that shape how people communicate and make meaning in a group or society.

The study of how data is collected, stored, shared, and used—especially in ways that impact privacy, fairness, and accountability.

Decision-making and communication are distributed among group members, typically allowing for more collaboration, shared leadership, and problem-solving.

A reactive communication behavior that occurs when individuals feel threatened or challenged, often shutting down dialogue or feedback.

A leadership style that encourages participation, collaboration, and shared decision-making. The leader guides the process but values input from all group members.

A leader formally chosen or assigned by an organization or group. Their effectiveness often depends on group acceptance and their ability to guide and support others.

A regional or social variety of a language with distinct vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

A form of communication that emphasizes mutual understanding, empathy, and shared meaning-making, often used to reduce prejudice and build inclusion.

Communication that occurs through technology—like text, email, or social media—often without nonverbal cues, which can complicate emotional understanding.

The gap between those who have consistent access to digital technologies (like high-speed internet and devices) and those who do not—often reflecting broader patterns of socioeconomic inequality.

The record of a person’s online activity, including posts, comments, search history, shared content, and interactions. Digital footprints can be permanent, searchable, and visible to unintended audiences, influencing personal reputation, privacy, and future opportunities.

Unequal access to digital tools, high-speed internet, and the skills needed to use them effectively. Often shaped by factors such as income, geography, education, and race, digital inequality limits full participation in online communication and society.

Connections that are formed and maintained through online communication platforms like social media, video calls, or messaging apps.

A leadership style that provides clear direction, sets expectations, and guides group members closely, especially useful in unfamiliar or high-pressure situations.

A cultural group whose norms, values, and communication styles are privileged and considered the societal standard.

An identity associated with social power, privilege, and cultural norms in a given context (e.g., white, male, heterosexual in the U.S.), often viewed as “normal” or default.

The speech patterns and styles considered “standard” or “proper” in a society, often set by those in positions of power.

Widely accepted cultural stories that reflect the interests and values of the most powerful groups in society, often marginalizing alternative perspectives.

Online spaces where people are mainly exposed to opinions and information that match their own beliefs. In echo chambers, opposing views are filtered out—often by algorithms—leading to reinforced bias, limited perspective, and increased polarization.

A group member who gains leadership status informally through their behavior, communication, and contributions rather than through appointment.

A complex response involving feelings, physiological changes, and behavioral expressions that shape how we experience and communicate.

The ability to manage and adjust emotional responses to support effective, respectful, and intentional communication.

Verbal, nonverbal, or digital signals—such as tone, facial expression, emojis, or punctuation—that help express and interpret emotions.

The effort required to manage one’s emotions, or the emotions of others, during communication, often unequally distributed in contexts of power and marginalization.

The process of monitoring, managing, and adjusting one’s emotional responses in different situations to achieve desired outcomes.

Communication that offers care, encouragement, and validation during times of stress, conflict, or vulnerability.

The underlying emotional quality or feeling conveyed through communication, including word choice, phrasing, and delivery. In spoken language, tone is shaped by vocal cues like pitch and pace; in digital communication, tone can be harder to interpret due to the absence of nonverbal signals, making misunderstandings more likely.

The practice of recognizing, understanding, and responding to another person’s emotions in a compassionate and respectful way. Empathetic communication involves active listening, emotional validation, and adjusting responses to meet the emotional needs of the other person, helping to build trust and connection.

Listening to understand another person’s feelings and perspective. This type of listening requires presence, openness, and emotional sensitivity.

The capacity to understand and share another person’s feelings by practicing active listening, perspective-taking, and emotional support

The physical and emotional setting where communication takes place, including space, mood, and social dynamics.

Communication that is honest, respectful, fair, and mindful of the impact on others.

Using digital tools and platforms in ways that are respectful, responsible, and inclusive. It involves respecting privacy, avoiding harm, critically evaluating content before sharing, and advocating for equity and accessibility online.

The use of honest, respectful, and transparent communication to influence others without manipulation or coercion.

The belief that one’s own culture, values, or way of life is superior to others, often leading to misunderstanding or devaluing other perspectives.

A rhetorical appeal that relies on the speaker’s credibility, character, or expertise to build trust with the audience.

The response the receiver gives to the sender, which helps clarify whether the message was understood as intended.

The sociological concept that individuals and society are interconnected; we must study both individual behavior and larger social structures together to understand social life.

A personalized digital environment shaped by algorithms that limit exposure to diverse perspectives by showing users content aligned with their existing beliefs and behaviors.

A five-stage model of group development, describing how groups form, experience conflict, establish norms, perform tasks, and eventually disband.

How media outlets shape the presentation of information through word choice, images, and context to influence audience interpretation and emotional response.

An approach to education developed by Paulo Freire that emphasizes dialogue, critical thinking, and the co-creation of knowledge between teachers and students.

A voluntary interpersonal relationship marked by trust, affection, and mutual influence.

The process by which leaders or institutions control access to information, interpretations, or representation within a system.

The increasing interconnectedness of people, cultures, economies, and technologies across the world. In communication, it refers to the global circulation of ideas, media, and cultural practices.

A large-scale, abstract theory that tries to explain major patterns or systems in society such as why societies form, how they change, or what holds them together. Grand theories are often macro-level and provide the foundation for more specific theories and research.

Community-driven forms of communication that emphasize local voices, participation, and relationship-building, especially in social change efforts.

A communication pattern in which the desire for harmony or conformity leads a group to suppress dissent and make flawed decisions

The study of how touch communicates meaning.

Part of the Johari Window; personal information we know about ourselves but choose not to share.

The unspoken lessons, values, and expectations that schools teach indirectly, such as obedience, punctuality, and social hierarchy.

The tendency to form relationships with people who are similar to us in background, beliefs, or identity.

A dynamic and relational understanding of the self shaped by individual experiences, social interactions, and cultural messages. Identity is not fixed—it changes across contexts and relationships.

The process of creating and expressing identity through communication, including storytelling, appearance, language use, and social interaction.

The belief system that normalizes social hierarchies and makes unequal power relationships appear natural or justified.

Phrases whose meanings cannot be understood from the literal definitions of the words (e.g., “spill the tea”).

Unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that influence how we perceive and respond to others, often in ways that affect empathy and trust.

The process of shaping how others perceive us by controlling the information we share, the tone we use, and the way we present ourselves—especially in social and digital contexts.

Communication practices that are accessible, culturally aware, and responsive to different identities and experiences.

Cultures that emphasize personal autonomy, individual achievement, and self-expression. In individualistic cultures, people are encouraged to prioritize personal goals over group goals and define their identity through individual traits and accomplishments. Examples include the United States, Canada, and many Western European countries.

The overlapping influence of multiple institutions like education, media, and the workplace, that collectively shape identity, opportunity, and communication norms.

The exchange of messages between people from different cultural backgrounds. It involves navigating differences in language, norms, values, and power.

The ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with people from different cultural backgrounds. It includes awareness, empathy, and adaptability.

A characteristic of group work in which members rely on each other to accomplish shared tasks or goals.

Anything that disrupts the communication process. This could be external (like noise) or internal (like stress or distraction).

The exchange of messages between people in close relationships, used to build understanding, trust, and connection.

Disagreements rooted in personality clashes, communication styles, or values. Often the most emotionally charged type of group conflict.

Specialized vocabulary used by members of a particular profession, field, or group.

A communication model with four areas—open, blind, hidden, and unknown—that illustrates how self-awareness and feedback influence relationships.

The study of body movement, gestures, and facial expressions in communication.

A leadership style marked by low levels of involvement and guidance, allowing group members to make decisions independently. While it can foster autonomy, it may lead to confusion or a lack of direction if group members need support.

A system of symbols (spoken, written, or signed) used to communicate meaning within a culture or group.

A global communication imbalance where a few languages, especially English, are privileged, influencing who can access or contribute to public discourse.

The practice of choosing inclusive, respectful language that affirms diverse identities and avoids unintentionally harmful or exclusive phrasing.

A form of cultural capital; the value assigned to certain styles of speaking, which can affect one’s credibility and access to power.

The theory that the structure of a language shapes how its speakers perceive and think about the world.

A communication practice that involves intentionally creating space for marginalized voices and challenging power imbalances through attentive, respectful listening.

A rhetorical appeal that uses logic, reasoning, and evidence to support an argument or message.

A concept from symbolic interactionism where we form our self-image based on how we think others perceive us.

The process of pushing certain individuals or groups to the edges of society, limiting their access to power, voice, and visibility.

The ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and create media messages across formats. It includes recognizing bias, understanding representation, and thinking critically about the social impact of media content.

The idea, meaning, or feeling that the source conveys to the receiver. it includes both what is said and how it is said (tone, body language, or other nonverbal language).

Subtle, often unintentional comments or behaviors that reinforce stereotypes or marginalize people based on identity.

A breakdown in understanding between communicators that can occur when emotional tone, intent, or context is unclear.

An identity that is socially marginalized or underrepresented, often facing barriers to inclusion or acceptance within dominant cultural frameworks.

A group whose identities, communication styles, or cultural practices are marginalized or considered outside the norm in a given society.

Filler sounds or words (like “um,” “uh,” “like”) that interrupt the flow of speech.

The version of oneself that is constructed and presented through digital platforms, shaped by choices in language, images, profiles, and interactions with others.

Part of the Johari Window; information known to both self and others.

A broad framework or school of thought that shapes how researchers understand the world. In sociology, paradigms guide what questions are asked, what methods are used, and how findings are interpreted. Examples include structural functionalism, conflict theory, and symbolic interactionism.

The vocal aspects of speech, like pitch, volume, and pauses, that add meaning to verbal communication.

A form of digital inequality where people may have access to technology but lack the skills, confidence, or opportunities to create, contribute to, or meaningfully engage in digital culture.

A leadership style that encourages group involvement in decision-making, aligning personal goals with the team’s purpose.

A rhetorical appeal that aims to persuade an audience by eliciting an emotional response.

The unique traits, experiences, interests, and values that an individual associates with themselves, such as being creative, curious, or introverted.

Imagining what it’s like to be in someone else’s situation or view the world from their point of view.

A system where a few tech companies control major digital platforms, turning user data and engagement into profit. It shapes whose voices are amplified or ignored online.

The implicit or explicit rules and expectations that shape user behavior on a digital platform, influenced by design features, community guidelines, and popular practices.

The ways in which power is distributed and exercised in communication, affecting who is heard, who is silenced, and how messages are interpreted.

A negative or positive judgment formed about individuals based on their perceived group membership, without full knowledge or experience.

Unearned and often invisible advantages that individuals have because they belong to a dominant group in society. Privilege affects whose communication is affirmed and whose is questioned or silenced.

Disagreements about how a group operates, such as scheduling, roles, or decision-making processes.

Behaviors and attitudes that reflect reliability, respect, ethical conduct, and effective communication in a work setting.

Socially constructed expectations about how people should communicate in professional or institutional settings, often tied to dominant cultural norms.

The study of how physical space and distance influence communication.

A feeling of trust and openness within a group that allows people to speak up, share ideas, and show vulnerability without fear of judgment or punishment.

The person for whom the message is intended. They interpret or decode the message based on their own experiences and worldview.

The expectation that personal sharing in relationships is mutual, helping maintain balance and connection.

The error of treating abstract concepts, like culture or race, as if they are concrete, unchanging, or “real” in a physical sense.

Tensions or opposing needs that arise in close relationships, such as autonomy vs. connection.

Listening with the goal of building and maintaining relationships. This style focuses on empathy, emotional support, and shared understanding between individuals.

A group formed primarily to provide emotional support, connection, and a sense of belonging among members. These groups prioritize interpersonal relationships over task completion and include friend circles, support groups, and informal social networks.

How people, groups, or identities are portrayed in media. Representation influences how audiences perceive others and themselves, and can reinforce or challenge stereotypes.

The art of effective or persuasive communication, often involving the strategic use of language, appeals, and structure to influence an audience.

The degree to which a particular aspect of identity becomes prominent or noticeable in a specific context or interaction.

The process of sharing personal information with others to build trust and intimacy in relationships.

Places or systems where rules are made and enforced, even outside traditional governments. In digital communication, platforms like social media act as sites of governance by shaping what is allowed, visible, or rewarded online.

Informal and often trendy language used by particular groups, usually not appropriate in formal settings.

A collection of three to about fifteen people who interact regularly, share a common purpose, and influence one another.

The influence, relationships, and informal power someone holds in a group or organization, which can shape how their voice is received.

The transformation of cultural, institutional, or societal structures over time, often driven by collective action, advocacy, and communication.

The idea that meaning, identity, and reality are created and maintained through social interaction rather than being fixed or inherent.

The patterns of interaction and influence between individuals and groups that shape relationships, behaviors, and power structures within a society.

A person’s affiliation with social groups or roles, such as student, athlete, parent, or activist, which shape how they relate to others and are perceived.

Unequal distribution of resources, rights, and opportunities across different groups in society.

A structured system of social order—like media, education, religion, family, or the workplace—that organizes patterns of behavior and communication to meet societal needs.

A phenomenon where individuals contribute less effort in a group than they would when working alone.

A set of relationships or connections among individuals or groups that influence communication patterns, information flow, and social influence.

Unwritten rules and expectations that guide how people behave and communicate in different settings.

A system by which society ranks people in a hierarchy based on factors like income, education, occupation, race, and gender, leading to unequal access to resources and opportunities.

The passive observation of others’ online behavior, such as posts, likes, comments, and stories on social media platforms.

The process by which new group members learn the rules, norms, and expectations necessary to function effectively within a group.

A way of studying communication that emphasizes how it is shaped by and helps shape society, including culture, norms, relationships, and institutions.

A concept developed by C. Wright Mills that describes the ability to connect individual experiences to larger social and historical forces.

The scientific and systematic study of society, social groups, and patterns of social interaction. Sociology helps us understand how culture, institutions, and power shape everyday life and communication.

The person who creates and sends a message in the communication process.

The degree to which a person’s social position (e.g., income, education, occupation) ranks similarly across different categories of stratification.

An oversimplified and fixed idea or image about a group of people, which often ignores individual differences and reinforces bias.

A macro-level theory that views society as a system of parts that work together to maintain stability and function.

Disagreements over group tasks, goals, or ideas. It can lead to improved outcomes when managed constructively.

A leadership style that emphasizes group members’ well-being by offering encouragement, understanding, and open communication.

The monitoring and collection of personal data, often by corporations or governments, through online behavior, facial recognition, GPS tracking, and other digital means.

A term from media theory that refers to the absence, misrepresentation, or underrepresentation of marginalized groups in media, which contributes to social erasure and diminished cultural visibility.

A sociological theory that focuses on how people create and share meaning through everyday interactions and symbols.

Objects, words, images, or gestures that carry specific meanings understood by people within a culture. Examples include language, flags, emojis, and religious icons.

The idea that a group can achieve more collectively than individuals could achieve on their own.

A group formed primarily to complete a specific goal or accomplish a task, such as planning an event or solving a problem.

Abbreviated and informal language commonly used in digital communication (e.g., LOL, BRB).

A sense of safety and confidence in another person’s reliability, honesty, and care—built through consistent, respectful communication over time.

An approach to communication or design that aims to be accessible and inclusive to the widest possible audience, regardless of ability or background.

Part of the Johari Window; aspects of ourselves that are unknown to both self and others.

Deeply held cultural beliefs about what is good, right, or important. Values influence communication styles, decision-making, and social expectations.

Communication that takes place through digital channels including video calls, online meetings, chat platforms, and collaborative workspaces.

A group that interacts and collaborates primarily through digital or online communication platforms.

Willingness to share personal thoughts, emotions, or experiences, even when it feels risky—essential for building trust.

A centralized communication pattern in which all group members communicate through a central figure, often a leader or coordinator.

The flow of formal and informal messages in organizational settings that reflect power dynamics, roles, and social expectations.

Professional connections between colleagues, shaped by roles, communication norms, and power dynamics.

The personal lens through which someone sees and interprets the world. It is shaped by life experiences, culture, age, gender, and social roles.