Eavesdropping: A Fundamental Condition of Communication

• In Event: Re-Thinking Foundational Questions and Problems in Communication Studies

Abstract

Although eavesdropping can be marginalized as exceptional phenomenon, it is a fundamental condition of communication. Narrowly speaking, eavesdropping is secret listening. However, eavesdroppers often interpret and plant as well as steal information. Eavesdropping is active interfering, rather than passive hearing. Eavesdropping functions like a double agent in the publicity-privacy issue or monologue as an opportunity of self-reflection. Seemingly it widens the gap between the public and the private, but it blurs the line between them.

Author

• Jin Kim