Your Word Count Has Declined Dramatically

One of the most striking changes of the past two decades may be something you literally don't hear. The Atlantic's Olga Khazan reports on research suggesting people are speaking far less than they used to—about 28% fewer words per day on average between 2005 (16,632 words) and 2019 (11,900 words), according to a study in Perspectives on Psychological Science that followed thousands of participants in the US, Mexico, Australia, and Europe. Two forces seem to be driving the drop: We're spending more time alone, and we've quietly replaced countless small interactions—with cashiers, receptionists, and bank tellers—with apps, texts, and online forms.

That silence may carry a cost. Psychologists tell Khazan that face-to-face talk appears to build empathy and emotional connection in a way digital messaging doesn't, and even throwaway chats with "weak ties" (think ordering in person at Starbucks vs. using the mobile app and wordlessly grabbing your coffee) can lift mood and lessen loneliness. Conversation also works the brain in ways texting can't, forcing us to track stories in real time and respond without an edit button. Read the piece in full here.