This 12th edition of Interplay retains the proven approach that has served several hundred thousand students and professors for many years. The accessible writing style is based on the belief that even complicated ideas can be presented in a straightforward way. A variety of thought- provoking photos, sidebars, and cartoons make the subject more interesting and compelling than text alone can. And in terms of its scholarly grounding, this edition cites more than 1,500 sources, 34 percent of which are new to this edition. Research and theory aren't presented for their own sake, but rather to support insights about how the process of interpersonal communication operates in everyday life. While the overall structure of the book will be familiar to long- time users, several changes enhance its usability and keep the content up to date. There are two important changes in the chapter organization of the book: New Chapter 2, "Interpersonal Communication in a Changing World," addresses the impact of social media on interpersonal relationships. New Chapter 12, "Interpersonal Contexts," expands and consolidates the discussion of communication with those who are closest to us. The chapter includes a new discussion of communication in friendships and updated sections on communication in intimate relationships and families. Many changes have been made to individual chapters to interpret the latest communication research and address changing communication practices. These include: The role of mediated communication in identity management and self- disclosure (Chapter 3) Distinctions between empathy and sympathy (Chapter 4) How deception is (and isn't) communicated through nonverbal communication (Chapter 6) The best ways to offer advice (Chapter 7) New coverage of emotional intelligence, reappraisal, and emotion labor (Chapter 8) Updates on relational stages (Chapter 9) Expanded discussion of John Gottman's "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse,