Link: Researchers say we’re talking less than ever

Research from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the University of Arizona shows a steep decline in the number of words spoken daily between 2005 and 2019, by nearly 28%. This decline, exacerbated by the pandemic, suggests increasing reliance on digital communication.

According to data from over 2,000 people who recorded their conversations, the average number of words spoken per day dropped from 16,632 to about 11,900 over the 14-year period. The shift towards app-based interactions and online engagement is a likely contributor to this trend.

The Wall Street Journal raises concerns about the psychological impacts of reduced verbal interactions, highlighting issues from the loneliness epidemic to the deterioration of conversational skills. Such changes could lead to more profound social and mental health issues.

Youth particularly demonstrate faster rates of decline in daily spoken words, with those under 25 losing 451 words per day per year, compared to 314 for those older. On average, spoken words have decreased by 338 words per person per year.

Valerie Fridland, a linguistics professor, suggests that the situation is not dire yet and can be mitigated by simple actions. Encouraging more direct conversations, like chatting more with family or using phones less, could help reverse the trend.

To stay updated on this topic and related news, following specific authors such as Terrence O'Brien can be beneficial through platforms that offer tailored content feeds and email updates. #

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Yoooo, this is a quick note on a link that made me go, WTF? Find all past links here.