Noncommunication

Noncommunication refers to the absence of information, response, or interaction that would normally be expected in a communicative exchange. It encompasses both deliberate withholding and unintentional gaps in transmission, reception, or acknowledgment, and can operate across spoken, written, and nonverbal channels.

Forms of noncommunication include silence or pausing to convey a message; withdrawal from a conversation; failure to respond to messages; nonparticipation in collaborative tasks; and the withholding of information or contact. It may be passive, active, or mixed, and can occur in interpersonal relationships, workplaces, and public settings.

Causes range from cultural norms that prize restraint to power dynamics that render disclosure risky, privacy concerns, and practical barriers to access. Noncommunication can function as a negotiation tactic, boundary setting, or relief from conflict, but it can also signal apathy, contempt, or coercive control, depending on context and intention.

Interpretation varies with situational expectations and prior experiences. In research, nonresponse is measured as missed messages or long latency, while qualitative work examines perceived intent behind silence or withdrawal. Consequences include potential misunderstanding and erosion of trust, though noncommunication can also reduce friction in some interactions. Legal and professional contexts may impose duties to communicate or disclose information, creating ethical considerations.

See also: silence; miscommunication; withdrawal; nonparticipation; information avoidance.