Scientific study shows significant decline in daily spoken words

A new scientific study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science indicates a notable decrease in oral communication. Researchers found that between 2005 and 2019, the average number of words spoken daily decreased by approximately 338 words each year.

The research, conducted by Valeria A. Pfeifer of Missouri University–Kansas City and Matthias R. Mehl of the University of Arizona, analyzed data from 22 studies involving 2,197 participants aged 10 to 94. The findings suggest that while vocabulary remains intact, people are speaking fewer words aloud as more communication shifts to written formats or digital messaging.

Participants in the study were primarily located in the United States, Mexico, Europe, and Australia.