Gregory Bateson defined “information” as “a difference that makes a difference”. He was talking about how 'a difference' can represent information that helps us see a situation from a different angle. This can reveal new possibilities for understanding or acting. However, if nothing happens because of it, information isn’t feedback.
For feedback to have any type of effect, there needs to be an understanding from both parties about that feedback. It must lead to something either continuing, stopping, or perhaps changing because of the feedback provided.
When we engage in providing feedback to another person, we must be clear about what we want to have happen as result of providing the feedback. And when we ask for feedback, we need to be clear as well, and know how we are going to use that feedback to adjust our own behavior to become more effective.
“The two words ‘information’ and ‘communication’ are often used interchangeably, but they signify quite different things. Information is giving out; communication is getting through.” – Sydney J. Harris