We communicate primarily to meet various essential needs such as requesting what we want, rejecting or protesting unwanted situations, forming social connections, and sharing information and opinions. Communication helps us express our physical needs, establish and learn our identities, fulfill social needs for connection, and address practical day-to-day necessities. It is fundamental to building relationships, sharing experiences, influencing others, and gaining control over our environment.
Main Reasons for Communication
- Requesting: We communicate to tell others what we want, make choices, ask for help, and control our environment.
- Rejecting or Protesting: Communication allows us to say no or avoid what we dislike.
- Social Connection: It helps meet emotional needs, gain attention, build friendships, and strengthen relationships.
- Sharing Information: We communicate to tell stories, give directions, share opinions, and convey important information.
Broader Purposes of Communication
- Identity Needs: To establish and understand who we are, as others' reactions and feedback shape our self-perception.
- Meeting Practical Needs: Everyday life requires communication for coordinating activities like work, appointments, and social plans.
- Emotional Expression: To express feelings such as joy, fear, or disappointment effectively to others.
Overall Importance
Communication is the lifeblood of human existence, allowing connection, sharing, influencing, and relating to others effectively. It is a fundamental human right and an essential skill for functioning in society, learning, and building meaningful relationships.
Thus, communication is crucial because it helps humans navigate their environment, fulfill multiple personal and social needs, and create the social fabric necessary for human life. This multi-dimensional purpose makes communication indispensable to our everyday existence.