What term is used to describe the response to a message?

The term that describes the response to a message is "feedback." Feedback is an essential component of the communication process, as it lets the sender know how their message was perceived. When a receiver responds to the initial message—be it through verbal communication, body language, or other forms of response—they are providing feedback. This response can indicate understanding, confusion, agreement, disagreement, or any number of reactions that help facilitate effective communication.

In contrast, the sender is the person who initiates the message, while the receiver is the individual who is intended to receive it. The message itself refers to the actual content or information being communicated. Therefore, feedback serves a critical role in ensuring that communication is a two-way process, allowing for adjustments and clarifications as needed.