Researchers at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the University of Arizona found that daily spoken words declined by nearly 28 percent between 2005 and 2019.
The study analyzed audio recordings from over 2,000 participants across 22 studies conducted over 14 years, showing a drop from an average of 16,632 words per day in 2005 to 11,900 by 2019.
This translates to an average yearly loss of 338 spoken words per person, with individuals under 25 losing 451 words annually and those over 25 losing 314 words each year.
How technology shifts contributed to the decline
The researchers linked the trend to rising use of apps for ordering food and services, increased texting, and more time spent online, which reduced opportunities for spontaneous verbal exchanges.
They noted that while written communication has grown, it lacks the tone, timing, emotional cues, and immediate feedback present in face-to-face conversations.
What experts say about reversing the trend
Valerie Fridland, a linguistics professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, told the Wall Street Journal that small behavioral changes could help, such as parents talking more to infants, using landlines instead of smartphones, and intentionally setting devices aside during parts of the day.
The study’s authors warned that reduced verbal interaction may affect basic conversational skills, including knowing when not to interrupt others, and could contribute to broader social challenges.
Could the decline have worsened since 2019?
Yes, the researchers noted that the downward trend likely continued after 2019 due to pandemic-related shifts in communication habits, potentially pushing daily spoken words below 10,000.
Does this affect all age groups equally?
No, the impact varies slightly by age: people under 25 lose about 451 spoken words per day each year, while those 25 and older lose approximately 314 words annually.