Psicologo | Counselor

The second axiom of human communication states that “every communication involves a commitment and, therefore, defines relationships.” This means that communication is not limited to conveying information, but also establishes a behavior among the communicators. Accepting the theoretical frameworks of Gregory Bateson, we can analyze every communication through two dimensions: the “report” aspect and the “command” aspect.

Bateson illustrates these two dimensions with a physiological analogy: let’s imagine A, B, and C as a linear chain of neurons. In this context, the activation of neuron B represents both information—that is, that the neuron has been activated—and an indication for neuron C to generate its response. 

The ‘report’ aspect of a message deals with transmitting information, with the message’s content potentially relating to anything communicable, without considering whether such information is true or false, or whether it is valid or indecipherable. Conversely, the ‘command’ aspect refers to the kind of message to be taken and, ultimately, to the relationship between the communicators. Relational dynamics can express various assertions such as: “Here is how I see myself,” “Here is how I see you,” and “Here is how I perceive that you see me,” thus suggesting a theoretically infinite chain of interpretations.

For example, two messages like “It is important to gradually and gently release the clutch” and “Release the clutch suddenly, you will ruin the transmission” provide similar information (report aspect), but establish very different relationships between the communicators. 

It is important to emphasize that relationships are not always defined deliberately or consciously. In fact, it seems that the more spontaneous and “healthy” a relationship is, the more the relational aspect of communication tends to remain in the background. In contrast, in “unhealthy” relationships, there emerges a constant struggle to define the nature of the relationship, while the content aspect of communication loses importance.

Communication is not merely a means of exchanging information, but plays a crucial role in defining and shaping relationships between individuals. Understanding the second axiom of human communication helps us recognize the importance of these relational dynamics and better navigate our daily interactions.