7.1 Define interpersonal communication and discuss its three unique attributes.

Interpersonal communication occurs when two people interact simultaneously and attempt to mutually influence each other, usually for the purpose of managing relationships. Interpersonal communication research has traditionally focused on the face-to-face relationship, but more recently, studies have investigated how online relationships are initiated and maintained through mediated interpersonal communication.

Interpersonal communication has three attributes:

• Interpersonal communication involves quality, which can be contrasted with impersonal communication, in which people are treated as objects or are communicated with based on the roles they hold.

• Interpersonal communication involves mutual influence.

• Interpersonal communication helps manage relationships of choice and circumstance.

Initiating Relationships