Big Small Talk
Joe Jones had a one-and-done hit with the lyric “You talk too much, you worry me to death” and all these decades later you could reverse the warning. People may be speaking substantially less than they once did — and disappearing everyday conversations could be costing us meaningful human connection. An article in The Atlantic warned of isolation.
Researchers analyzed ambient recordings from 2,197 people participating in 22 studies between 2005 and 2019. They estimated that daily speech declined about 28% over that period — from roughly 16,600 words to 12,700. People under 25 showed the steepest decline.
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The striking part isn’t merely the number of words. It is what those missing words may represent: fewer conversations with coworkers, neighbors, cashiers, friends and strangers.
Research cited by The Atlantic suggests that even brief exchanges with casual acquaintances can improve feelings of connection and well-being. Talking also requires spontaneity, attention and responsiveness in ways that texting does not.
Small talk may not be small.
