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Message
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A message is a unit of communication that conveys information from a sender to a receiver. It can be transmitted through various forms, such as spoken or written words, signals, or electronic data, and can range from simple instructions to complex information.[1][2]
The consumption of the message relies on how the recipient interprets the message, there are times where the recipient contradicts the intention of the message which results in a boomerang effect.[3] Message fatigue is another outcome recipients can obtain if a message is conveyed too much by the source.[4]
One example of a message is a press release, which may vary from a brief report or statement released by a public agency to commercial publicity material.[5] Another example of a message is how they are portrayed to a consumer via an advertisement.
History
[edit]This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (March 2022) |
Roles in human communication
[edit]In communication between humans, messages can be verbal or nonverbal:
- A verbal message is an exchange of information using words. Examples include face-to-face communication, telephone calls, voicemails, emails, etc.
- A nonverbal message is communicated through actions or behaviors rather than words, such as conscious or unconscious body language.
The phrase "send a message" or "sending a message" is also used for actions taken by a party to convey that party's attitude towards a certain thing. For example, a government that executes people who commit acts of treason is sending a message that treason will not be tolerated.[6] Conversely, a party that appears through its actions to endorse something that it opposes can be said to be "sending the wrong message",[6] while one which appears to simultaneously endorse contradictory things can be said to be sending "mixed messages".[7]
In computer science
[edit]Events vs. Messages
[edit]In distributed systems, events represent a fact or state change (e.g., OrderPlaced) and are typically broadcast asynchronously to multiple consumers, promoting loose coupling and scalability. While events generally don’t expect an immediate response, acknowledgment mechanisms are often implemented at the infrastructure level (e.g., Kafka commit offsets, SNS delivery statuses) rather than being an inherent part of the event pattern itself.[8][9]
In contrast, messages serve a broader role, encompassing commands (e.g., ProcessPayment), events (e.g., PaymentProcessed), and documents (e.g., DataPayload). Both events and messages can support various delivery guarantees, including at-least-once, at-most-once, and exactly-once, depending on the technology stack and implementation. However, exactly-once delivery is often achieved through idempotency mechanisms rather than true, infrastructure-level exactly-once semantics.[8][9]
Delivery patterns for both events and messages include publish/subscribe (one-to-many) and point-to-point (one-to-one). While request/reply is technically possible, it is more commonly associated with messaging patterns rather than pure event-driven systems. Events excel at state propagation and decoupled notifications, while messages are better suited for command execution, workflow orchestration, and explicit coordination.[8][9]
Modern architectures commonly combine both approaches, leveraging events for distributed state change notifications and messages for targeted command execution and structured workflows based on specific timing, ordering, and delivery requirements.[8][9]
See also
[edit]- Airmail – Service which transports mail by air
- Amateur radio emergency communications – Fallback service
- Beacon – Device used to attract attention
- Communications satellite – Artificial satellite that relays radio signals
- Communication studies – Academic discipline
- Drums in communication – Drums used for long-distance signalling and communications
- Email – Mail sent using electronic means
- Emergency Alert System – Method of emergency broadcasting in the United States
- Encryption – Process of converting plaintext to ciphertext
- Express mail – Accelerated mail delivery service
- Flag semaphore – System to transmit information by hand
- Instant messaging – Form of computer communication over the internet or locally
- List of interstellar radio messages
- Mail – System for transporting documents and other small packages
- Message in a bottle – Form of communication
- Network packet – Formatted unit of data carried by a packet-switched network
- Optical telegraph – Tower-based signaling network
- Pioneer plaque – Plaques on the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes with pictorial messages about humanity
- Pony Express – 1860–1861 mail service in the United States
- Radio – Use of radio waves to carry information
- Semaphore – Mechanical apparatus used to send messages
- Semiotics – Study of signs
- Sign language – Language that uses manual` communication and body language to convey meaning
- Smoke signal – Smoke used as a mode of communication
- SMS – Text messaging service component
- Telegraphy – Long distance transmission of text
- Telephony – Field of telecommunication services
- Television – Medium for transmitting moving images and sound
- Voicemail – Voice message storage and retrieval
References
[edit]- ^ Communication in Everyday Life: A Survey of Communication. ISBN 978-1-5443-4987-9.
- ^ Theories of Human Communication. ISBN 978-1-57766-706-3.
- ^ Zhao, Xinyan; Fink, Edward L. (2021). "Proattitudinal versus counterattitudinal messages: Message discrepancy, reactance, and the boomerang effect". Communication Monographs. 88 (3): 286–305. doi:10.1080/03637751.2020.1813317. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
- ^ So, Jiyeon; Kim, Soela; Cohen, Heather (2017). "Message fatigue: Conceptual definition, operationalization, and correlates". Communication Monographs. 84: 5–29. doi:10.1080/03637751.2016.1250429. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
- ^ Tsai, Wan-Hsiu (Sunny); Lancaster, Alyse R. (2012). "Message Strategies in Direct-to-Consumer Pharmaceutical Advertising: A Content Analysis Using Taylor's Six-Segment Message Strategy Wheel". Health Marketing Quarterly. 29 (3): 239–255. doi:10.1080/07359683.2012.705708. PMID 22905945. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
- ^ a b "Send a message definition". Cambridge English Dictionary. Retrieved September 24, 2023.
- ^ Marie, A. (November 8, 2022). "A Mixed Message is THE Message". Medium.
- ^ a b c d Kleppmann, Martin. Designing Data-Intensive Applications: The Big Ideas Behind Reliable, Scalable, and Maintainable Systems. ISBN 978-1-4493-7332-0.
- ^ a b c d Building Event-Driven Microservices: Leveraging Organizational Data at Scale. ISBN 978-1-4920-5789-5.
External links
[edit]Message
View on GrokipediaFundamentals
Definition
A message is defined as a discrete unit of information conveyed from a sender to a receiver through a chosen medium, incorporating elements of intent, content, and contextual relevance to facilitate understanding or action.[14] In communication theory, this unit represents the encoded meaning or stimulus produced by the source, intended for interpretation by the recipient, regardless of the medium's form—whether verbal, written, or digital.[4] Seminal work in information theory, such as Claude Shannon's framework, conceptualizes a message as a sequence of selections from a set of possible symbols, where the measure of information depends on the probabilities of those selections rather than their semantic meaning.[15] The term "message" originates from the Latin verb mittere, meaning "to send," which evolved through Medieval Latin missāticum (a thing sent) and Old French message (a communication or dispatch carried by a messenger) before entering Middle English around the 13th century as a noun denoting something dispatched or communicated.[16] This etymological root underscores the core idea of transmission, reflecting its historical association with physical or verbal conveyance over distances.[17] A key distinction in communication theory separates a message from a signal: while a message carries semantic content or intended meaning derived from the sender's choices, a signal refers to the physical or syntactic carrier—such as a waveform or sequence of bits—that transmits the message but may lack inherent meaning without contextual decoding.[15] For instance, in Shannon's model, the message is the informational entity selected for transmission, whereas the signal is its modulated form propagated through a channel, potentially altered by noise.[18] Illustrative examples of messages include a spoken utterance like "Hello," which conveys greeting intent via auditory medium; a handwritten note stating instructions, transferring content through visual symbols; or a digital packet in a network, encapsulating data for computational exchange.[4] These cases highlight the message's role as a bounded entity of transfer, adaptable across human and technical contexts.Components and Structure
A message in communication theory consists of several core components that facilitate its transmission and reception. The sender, or source, originates the message by formulating an intent or idea to convey. The receiver is the intended recipient who interprets the message. The channel, or medium, serves as the pathway through which the message travels, such as spoken words, written text, or digital signals. The content represents the encoded information itself, encompassing the substance of what is being communicated. Context encompasses the surrounding circumstances, including cultural, social, or environmental factors that influence meaning. Finally, the feedback loop allows the receiver to respond, enabling clarification or continuation of the exchange.[14] One foundational structural model outlining these elements is the Shannon-Weaver model, which describes communication as a linear process involving a source that generates a message, an encoder that translates it into a transmittable signal, a channel for transmission, a decoder that reconstructs the signal, and a destination receiver. This model highlights how the structure impacts transmission fidelity by illustrating potential points of degradation along the path. For instance, disruptions in the channel can alter the message, reducing its accuracy upon receipt.[15][4] Encoding involves transforming the sender's intent into a communicable form, such as converting thoughts into language, symbols, or signals suitable for the chosen medium, while decoding is the receiver's process of interpreting that form back into meaning. These processes are prone to distortion if the encoding does not align with the receiver's expectations or capabilities, leading to misinterpretation. Noise functions as an inherent structural disruptor in this framework, introducing interference that compromises fidelity; examples include environmental factors like background sounds in oral messages or static in electronic transmissions.[4][19]Messages in Human Communication
Types
Messages in human communication are classified by form into verbal, nonverbal, and symbolic categories, each leveraging distinct elements to transmit meaning. Verbal forms rely on spoken or written words to articulate ideas, enabling precise and structured exchange in contexts like discussions or documents. Nonverbal forms involve bodily cues such as gestures, facial expressions, and posture, which often complement or substitute for words to convey emotions or attitudes. Symbolic forms employ icons, signs, and arbitrary symbols—such as traffic signals or emblems—to represent concepts without direct linguistic or physical resemblance, drawing on shared cultural conventions for interpretation.[20][21][22][23] A notable example of nonverbal and symbolic variation occurs in cross-cultural settings, where the thumbs-up gesture signifies approval and encouragement in many Western societies but functions as an obscene insult in parts of the Middle East and West Africa, highlighting how form influences message reception across contexts.[24][25] Classification by medium further diversifies message types, encompassing oral, written, visual, digital, and multimodal channels that determine transmission and reception dynamics. Oral mediums, such as face-to-face speech or broadcasts, facilitate immediate, interactive delivery through sound. Written mediums, including letters and reports, provide permanence and allow for detailed elaboration. Visual mediums use images, diagrams, or videos to depict information spatially. Digital mediums, like emails and instant texts, enable rapid, asynchronous exchange via electronic networks. Multimodal mediums integrate multiple channels, as in video calls that combine audio, visual cues, and text overlays for richer interaction.[26][27][28] In digital contexts, memes exemplify hybrid mediums by fusing visual icons, textual captions, and cultural allusions to propagate concise, often humorous messages that spread virally across social platforms.[29] Messages are additionally categorized by intent, reflecting their purpose in influencing the receiver: informative, persuasive, expressive, or directive. Informative intents focus on sharing objective facts or data to educate, such as in news reports or scientific explanations. Persuasive intents aim to sway opinions or prompt action, evident in advertising campaigns or motivational speeches that appeal to logic, emotion, or credibility. Expressive intents convey personal feelings or attitudes, like sharing joy or frustration in casual conversations. Directive intents issue commands or guidance, as in instructions or requests that seek compliance. These categories underscore how a message's structural components—such as syntax or tone—adapt to fulfill specific communicative goals.[30][31]Roles and Interpretation
Messages serve several primary roles in human communication, primarily by facilitating the exchange of ideas and influencing social dynamics. One key function is conveying information, where messages act as organized stimuli to activate specific concepts or "meme states" in the receiver's mind, enabling shared understanding of facts or events.[32] Another role involves influencing behavior through persuasion, as messages can shape attitudes and prompt actions by aligning the receiver's perspectives with the sender's intent, often seen in campaigns aimed at behavioral change.[33] Messages also build relationships by maintaining interpersonal bonds, using interactional language such as expressions of gratitude or affection to foster closeness and alleviate relational tension.[34] Additionally, they signal status, where communicators use subtle cues like tone or symbolic displays to convey social position or hierarchy, reinforcing group dynamics in interactions.[35] For instance, political leaders may "send a message" through policy decisions to assert authority or deter opposition without direct verbal exchange.[36] The interpretation of messages is shaped by various factors that can lead to perceptual challenges and unintended outcomes. Receivers' biases, including preconceived notions and past experiences, often distort message comprehension, causing selective attention to elements that align with existing beliefs.[37] Cultural context further influences reception, as differing norms and values alter how symbols or phrasing are understood, potentially resulting in miscommunication across groups.[37] Ambiguity in messaging exacerbates these issues, sometimes triggering the boomerang effect, where persuasive attempts backfire due to psychological reactance, prompting receivers to adopt opposing views as a defense against perceived threats to their autonomy.[38] In contemporary digital communication as of 2025, the rise of AI-generated content and deepfakes introduces additional challenges, as these synthetic messages can mimic human communication to deceive receivers, leading to misinformation, fraud, and diminished trust in interpersonal and societal interactions.[39] In societal contexts, messages carry significant social impacts, often determining the success of interactions or broader campaigns. Overload from excessive messaging, such as in advertising or social media, induces message fatigue, reducing engagement and motivation to process information, as seen during high-volume public health communications where repeated exposure leads to desensitization.[40] Positively, messages aid conflict resolution by enabling assertive expression of needs, such as through "I" statements that de-escalate tensions and promote collaborative problem-solving in interpersonal disputes.[41] Conversely, in propaganda, messages are strategically crafted to manipulate perceptions and incite collective action, exploiting emotional appeals to sway public opinion toward specific agendas, as in wartime efforts to unify support.[42] A distinctive aspect of message interpretation lies in the distinction between semantic and pragmatic meaning in linguistics. Semantic meaning refers to the literal, propositional content of an utterance, derived from its syntactic and lexical structure, while pragmatic meaning encompasses the speaker's intended implications, influenced by context, tone, and social norms.[43] This divide is evident in sarcasm, where the semantic content (e.g., "You're a genius") conveys praise literally, but pragmatic cues like intonation signal mockery, leading to frequent detection failures in cross-cultural or digital communication due to absent nonverbal indicators.[44]Messages in Computing
Core Concepts
In computing, a message serves as a fundamental unit for data exchange between processes, devices, or systems, typically formatted as a discrete packet transmitted over networks or application programming interfaces (APIs).[45] This digital adaptation emphasizes structured transmission to ensure reliable delivery and processing, distinct from interpretive human communication by focusing on syntactic and technical interoperability.[46] Key attributes of a computational message include the payload, which carries the core data content such as text, binary, or serialized objects; headers, which provide essential metadata like source and destination identifiers, timestamps, or content types; and adherence to specific protocols that dictate formatting, routing, and error handling.[45] For instance, in the HTTP protocol, messages comprise a start line (indicating method or status), followed by headers for contextual details, and an optional payload body.[47] Similarly, MQTT messages feature a fixed header for packet type and length, an optional variable header for identifiers, and a payload for application-specific data.[48] Messages find broad applications in distributed systems for tasks like synchronization, where they facilitate coordination among nodes via message passing to maintain consistency without shared memory.[49] In messaging queues such as RabbitMQ, messages are routed through exchanges to queues for decoupled, reliable delivery between producers and consumers.[50] For real-time communication, protocols like WebSockets use messages framed with opcodes for text or binary data, headers for fragmentation and masking, and payloads for bidirectional exchange over persistent connections.[51] A distinctive aspect of messages in modern architectures is their support for asynchronous communication, which decouples services and reduces latency by eliminating blocking waits for responses, particularly in microservices where direct dependencies can amplify delays. For example, a JSON-formatted message in such a system might structure data as{"event": "user_registered", "user_id": 456, "timestamp": "2025-11-09T12:00:00Z"}, enabling efficient, non-blocking propagation across services.[52]
