Välitteiset

Välitteiset is a Finnish term used as an adjective or in forms such as a noun phrase to describe phenomena, processes, or entities that are mediated through a third party, mechanism, or intermediary rather than occurring directly. The concept is common in fields such as linguistics, communication studies, sociology, and information technology, where the role of intermediaries or channels is central to understanding how a result is produced or transmitted.

Etymology and usage: The word derives from the verb välittää, meaning to convey, transmit, or forward. Välitteinen thus denotes mediation, while suora or direct terms refer to unmediated forms. In prose, välitteiset can modify nouns to indicate mediated forms (for example, välitteinen viestintä = mediated communication; välitteiset suhteet = mediated relationships).

Contexts and examples: In communication theory, välitteinen viestintä describes communication that occurs through channels such as media, telecommunications networks, or platform intermediaries rather than face-to-face interaction. In sociology or organizational studies, välitteiset suhteet refer to connections mediated by institutions, intermediaries, or technologies. In information technology, the concept can apply to processes or services delivered via intermediaries, protocols, or middleware that enable interaction between endpoints.

Relation to other concepts: Välitteiset contrasts with direct or luontainen (natural) processes that occur without an intervening medium. The term often appears in discussions of efficiency, accessibility, or bias introduced by mediating mechanisms and agents.

See also: mediated communication, mediation, välittäjä (mediator), välitys (mediation or forwarding).