Communication, at least that which is potentially human-independent, makes the issue of what is actually communicated come to the fore. The whole set-up is new: real-time filtration and selection cast doubt on the idea of communication of objective representations. That is why the bundle signal-data-information-sign-message must be analysed, taking into account the possibility that communicative quanta can teleact by themselves. Distinguishing technogenic interactivity and natural interaction produces the concept of infogenic man, which facilitates a new definition of information as opposed to signal, but also serves well if applied to machine communication. A feature that helps discern data and information is the increase of complexity level. The key to communication, taking into account the machine context, is the interest in being “wired”; Luhmann’s theory of communication, based on triple selection (information, conveyance, understanding), is especially well-positioned to meet the demands of today’s technogenic communication. Non-linearity and analysis of the mechanisms for putting up with contingency are among the advantages of Luhmann’s theory, which also provides a framework to capture and distinguish the human and technogenic communicative factors.
Jaká komunikace v technické době?