Integrating Linear, Interactional, Transactional, and Lasswell Communication Models in the Digital Era

Abstract

Digital communication does not eliminate the relevance of classical communication models; it changes how they should be used to examine message transmission, interaction, meaning-making, and effects. This article integrates the linear, interactional, transactional, and Lasswell models discussed in Learning Activity 9 of Pengantar Ilmu Komunikasi and assesses their relevance to digital communication. The study uses an integrative literature review, with Learning Activity 9 as the primary conceptual source and journal articles as supporting evidence. The review shows that the linear model is useful for transmission, channels, and noise; the interactional model for feedback and role exchange; the transactional model for simultaneous and contextual meaning-making; and Lasswell for strategic auditing of communicator, message, channel, audience, and effects. The article proposes an integrated framework that treats platforms, algorithms, and intermediary actors as a contextual layer. Digital 2026 reports 230 million internet users and 180 million social-media user identities in Indonesia at the end of 2025. The contribution is an operational basis for selecting communication models according to research questions and digital contexts.