Communication is a social process that involves the exchange of symbols to establish meaning between individuals. There are several models of communication: 1) The linear model views communication as a one-way process where a sender transmits a message to a receiver through a channel. 2) The interactional model sees communication as a two-way process between communicators, with the sending and receiving of messages going in both directions. 3) The transactional model emphasizes that communication is a cooperative process, with both the sender and receiver mutually responsible for the effectiveness of the message exchange. Understanding communication theory helps develop critical thinking, provides context for personal experiences, and fosters self-awareness about how communication works.