The cartoon features two middle school students standing near a prominently displayed “No Cell Phones” sign. The sign visually reinforces the school’s ban on mobile phone usage, which sets the context for the humor and deeper meaning of the cartoon. The humor is found in in the contradiction expressed by one of the students, who says that the ban will be hardest on her mother, not herself, because her mother texts her multiple times a day. This visual and textual juxtaposition creates a comic yet insightful commentary on modern communication patterns. The cartoon illustrates the Transactional Model of Communication, which is discussed in chapter 1, “Defining Communication.” 

In this model, communication is seen as a simultaneous, two-way street where both participants are sender and receiver in the same instances. In this example, the mother and daughter are constantly exchanging messages, not passively receiving but actively responding in real time. The daughter’s statement implies that her mother relies on this continual interaction, demonstrating how that communication is not just about sending messages but about ongoing negotiation of meaning, context, and relationship. The facial expressions and body language of the characters add to the meaning. The student speaking has an almost indifferent, slightly amused look, suggesting that while she may be annoyed or amused by her mom’s frequent texts, she also accepts it as normal. This casual tone adds to the authenticity of the interaction and supports the idea that such intense back-and-forth messaging is typical in modern parent-child relationships. This cartoon connects with my own life, especially in a way during times when I’ve had to silence notifications for focus, such as during class or study sessions. My parents often text me throughout the day to check in or ask questions, and it’s easy to forget that their need for updates is part of a two-way communication loop—they seek assurance, and I provide it. The cartoon reminds me that communication is relational and dynamic, not just about information but about maintaining connection, especially between loved ones. It illustrates how even seemingly small interactions — like a parent texting their child six times a day—embody the core principles of the transactional model by reinforcing bonds and shared meaning in real time.

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