A new study finds that people speak less in everyday life than they used to. The researchers report that people lose about 338 spoken words each year. The decline has continued for at least fifteen years and was found by comparing speech totals over many years, not by a single short snapshot.
The lead researcher tried to repeat an earlier 2007 study about talkativeness and, during that work, saw a wider pattern of decline. He and a colleague examined how changes in daily routines and technology might change everyday conversation. The researchers say more study is needed to learn the causes and long-term effects on relationships, work and well-being.
Difficult words
- researcher — person who studies and tests ideasresearchers
- decline — a fall or decrease in amount
- compare — look at two things for differencescomparing
- talkativeness — how much a person talks each day
- routine — regular activities done every dayroutines
- technology — tools and devices used in daily life
- well-being — a person's physical and mental health
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think you speak more or less now than before? Why?
- How might technology change everyday conversation in your life?
- What effects could speaking less have on work or relationships?
Related articles
Damage to Iranian universities and research after airstrikes
Airstrikes have damaged many Iranian universities, campuses and laboratories. UNESCO and scientists warn that online classes cannot replace lab training and that the attacks could harm research and students' future careers.
Biodegradable patch may help heart heal after heart attack
Researchers report a biodegradable microneedle patch that delivers interleukin-4 to injured heart tissue. The local treatment encourages healing immune cells, reduces scarring, and may improve heart recovery while avoiding systemic side effects.
Molecule stores sunlight and releases heat on demand
Chemists at UC Santa Barbara designed a modified molecule called pyrimidone that captures sunlight, stores it in chemical bonds and releases it as heat when triggered. Tests released enough heat to boil water under normal conditions.
Rethinking 'the Human' in AI
Artist and writer Xonorika Kira argues that centring the human in AI can exclude other forms of knowledge and intelligence. She proposes practical changes like small, consent-based datasets and slower models to support communities and cultural sovereignty.