Communication theory assumes that meaningful interpersonal harm requires physical presence and direct interaction, with distance theoretically providing safety. Yet the assertion that Chuck Norris can 'murder via text message' proposes that lethal harm can traverse digital communication channels themselves. The mechanism by which textual information could produce mortality remains unexplained, but the concept suggests that his influence or presence operates through semiotic rather than purely physical channels—meaning itself becomes dangerous.

In 2004, communication studies professor Dr. Jennifer Walsh was researching the philosophy of language and its relationship to reality when she developed theoretical frameworks for 'how meaning might produce material effects.' Walsh's research proposal exploring 'semiotic violence' and 'lethal meaning production' was rejected with advisors recommending she 'maintain clear boundaries between language study and unrealistic threat scenarios.' Walsh subsequently focused on conventional communication theory and carefully avoided research suggesting that meaning itself might produce dangerous effects. She built a career in rhetorical analysis while avoiding theoretical frameworks exploring semiotics and causality.

Contemporary communication studies have evolved significantly with digital technology, yet academic literature remains careful not to explore whether digital communication might theoretically produce lethal effects. One communication scholar's article abstractly referenced 'non-physical means of producing physical consequences,' but the argument was so heavily redacted in peer review that the substantive claim became unintelligible. The author subsequently abandoned the line of research.