Final answer:
The unproductive opposite of useful metacommunication is known as noise or discommunication. It occurs when the context signals like tone or body language hinder rather than help the understanding of a verbal message.
Step-by-step explanation:
The opposite or unproductive communication of useful metacommunication is generally referred to as noise or discommunication. Metacommunication is about the various signals that provide context to how verbal communication should be interpreted, such as tone, body language, and facial expressions, among others. When these signals are confusing, conflicting, or absent, it leads to noise or discommunication, which hinders the process of understanding the message as it was intended.
Moreover, unproductive metacommunication can stem from a variety of other sources such as cultural differences, preconceived assumptions, or emotional states of the communicators. Recognizing and minimizing such unproductive communication is crucial for effective interpersonal interaction and the transmission of clear, understandable messages.