Why is it so important for humans to send and receive messages?

Probably because, by our very nature, we cannot live in a vacuum. All of us feel the need to make contact with other humans. Those who live as hermits, or otherwise shun human contact, are not considered normal.

The truth is we all have emotional needs that cannot be satisfied by contact with mere matter. We need more than contact. We need relationships at various levels with creatures of our own kind.

Consider a soldier on duty overseas. Imagine his anticipation when he is expecting a letter from his fiance back home. Watch as he opens the long-awaited letter. See the smile on his face as he reads her reassurances of her love for him. Or, share his pain as he reads the "Dear John" letter announcing her decision to break off their engagement. For good or ill, messages are an integral part of our lives.

Messages to the stars may be interesting, even scientifically necessary. But most of us long for messages originating from places much closer to home.