[REVISION HISTORY]

Decline in global daily spoken word counts

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2026-08-12 14:21 UTC → 2026-09-05 13:43 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Research published in ‘Perspectives on Psychological Science’ indicates a significant decline in daily spoken language. A study involving approximately 2,200 participants across the United States, Mexico, Australia, and Europe found that the average daily word count dropped from roughly 16,000 in 2005 to approximately 12,700 by 2019. This trend represents a decrease of about 338 words per day each ~~year.~~ year, amounting to a nearly 30% drop over the 14-year period. The decline is noted to be most pronounced among individuals under the age of ~~25. Researchers~~ 25, who speak an average of 450 fewer words per day. One analysis suggests this reduction equates to approximately 15 fewer hours of face-to-face conversation per year. Researchers, including Valeria Pfeifer and Matthias Mehl, suggest the reduction in verbal communication may be linked to the rise of the ‘convenience economy’ and increased digital interaction. Factors such as text-based communication, social media, instant messaging, and ~~automated technologies like self-checkouts and kiosks~~ artificial intelligence are cited as reducing the necessity for face-to-face verbal interaction. ~~Experts have~~ Automated technologies like self-checkouts, GPS, and touchscreen kiosks are also noted as contributors. While experts like sociologist Joan Palomares suggest this may reflect a shift in communication channels rather than a reduction in human relationships, others warn of potential cognitive, social, and emotional implications, including the possibility of contributing to a ‘loneliness ~~epidemic’.~~ epidemic’ and weaker social bonds.

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