Social interaction ; is an exchange between two or more individuals and creates a block
of society .or refers to the process by which individuals communicate ,engage and react to one
another within a social context. It encompasses a wide range of behaviors, including verbal
communication , non verbal communication and other forms of engagement .
The following are forms of social interaction
Verbal communication ;it involves the use of spoken or written language to convey
messages , share information and express feeling.Example,A teacher explaining a lesson to
students in a classroom setting. The exchange of ideas through discussions, lectures, and
conversations are critical for learning.It plays a crucial role in establishing relationship and
facilitating cooperation [McGregor 2018].
Non verbal communication ; it include body language , facial expressions ,gesture and
other forms of conveying information without words. Example,A person can show disinterest
during a conversation by avoiding eye contact and crossing their arms.It can often convey
emotions and intentions more effectively than verbal communication [Argyle 1998].
Cooperation and collaboration ; cooperation involves individual or group working
together towards a common goal, While collaboration emphasizes a more active partnership
where individuals contribute their skills and resources.Example, In a sports context, a team must
cooperate to win, but individual players may compete for the position of team captain [Putnam
2000].
Conflict and competition ; conflict arise when individuals or group have opposing
interests or view , competition can occur in various social arenas , such as politics sports and
business ,pushing individuals or group to assert their interests.Example,two companies vying for
the same market share may engage in competitive advertising campaigns. Conflict can also
arise in personal relationships, such as between siblings over inheritance.[Coser 1956].
Social exchange; it theory posits that social interaction are based on the exchange of
resources , whether they are material like money or intangible like support or
affection .Example,person may help a neighbor with gardening in the hope of receiving help in
the future when they need assistance. Relationships are maintained based on perceived benefit
versus costs[Homans 1958].
Face to face interaction ; is the most direct of interaction , where individuals engage with
one another in person . .Example,conversations in a coffee shop where friends meet to discuss
their week. The ability to read body language adds depth to the conversation. This in crucial for
building relationship , developing social skills and communicating non verbal cues . face to face
interaction are often more effective in conveying emotions and fostering connections [Goffman
1959].
Group interaction ; occurs within smaller units , such as families , friends and work group.
These interaction can influence norms ,behavior and identities.Example, in a workplace,
employees regularly participate in team meetings to discuss projects, share ideas, and allocate
responsibilities. The dynamics can be observed during brainstorming sessions, where creativity
and collaboration are essential. Group dynamics often shape individuals behavior through
processes like conformity and peer pressure[Forsyth 2010].
Role based interaction ; in individuals in society interact according to the roles they
occupy example student , parents , employee. Example, in a family, parents have the role of
caregivers, while children are expected to be obedient, leading to interactions characterized by
authority and dependency.These roles come with expectations that shape how individuals
behave and interact with other[Goffman 1959].
Conclusion; Different forms of social interaction play crucial roles in shaping our
relationships, communities, and societies. Understanding these forms can provide insights into
social dynamics, individual behavior, and collective outcomes. Each form of interaction has
unique characteristics and impacts how individuals engage within their social
REFERENCES
Goffman , E . [1959].The presentation of self in everyday life . Anchor Books.
McGregor , S. L.T. [2018]. Communication and social influenced processes. McGraw Hill.
Argyle , M.[1988].This classic text delves into how non verbal cues influence social interaction .
Putnam ,R.D.[2000]. Bowling alone ;Putnam discusses the importance of social networks and
cooperation in society.
Coser ,L.A[1956]. The functions of social conflict .
Forsyth ,D.R.[2010]. Group dynamic .
