The Reflection Of Communication: The Lens Of Interpersonal Communication

Every single day interpersonal communication happens. Still, for something that happens so frequently, we do not have a complete understanding of interpersonal communication quite yet. There are multiple lenses that take different approaches to understanding interpersonal communication. Although the Relation, Quality, and Social Media Lenses all make good points, the Goal Lens I prefer the most due to it’s detailed, yet open definition, and honest nature.

Canary et al. defines interpersonal communication as the “exchange of symbols used to achieve interpersonal goals.” (Canary et al., 2008) What I like the most about this definition is the focus on goals. When it comes down to it, nearly everything we as humans do is to accomplish a goal.

The pattern in my interpersonal communication since I began my first semester here at Creighton has remained fairly consistent. Like many other students I can imagine, I wanted to make new friends. My goal was not to gain popularity through these friends. Instead, my goal was to make some solid friendships so that I could have a support system to rely on. I am from St. Louis and I did not know anyone going to Creighton very well. I understood the support I had back at home would remain but they can only do so much from seven hours away. During my time at Creighton, I have found people whom I was happy to call friends. Over just the past year and a half, some friends drifted away, sadly a great one transferred, but other, even better friends have appeared. Now that I feel I have friends I can rely on, I suppose I can continue my original goal or even start a new one. One of the many things I learned from my roommate last year was how fascinating it can be to hear about other people’s stories. I feel like college is a unique time where you are around peers from all around the nation or even beyond. Getting to know as many people as I can has become my new goal. Looking through the Goal Lens reminded me that I should not use people. If I get to know someone purely so they can give me a ride or something, then I need to re-evaluate my goals. I am able to be more honest with myself when looking through the Goal Lens. I do my best to keep myself from using someone else as a means to an end. The Goal Lens helps me follow through with