In a fifteen-year study, when researchers analyzed audio samples gathered by people aged 10-94 as they went about their daily lives, they found that the number of words spoken has fallen by 28% percent. That’s 120,000 fewer words per year for the average person. The decline, although steepest for those under 25, happened across all age groups. The reasons are multiple. We communicate via text and messaging apps; more people live and spend time alone; ATMs, self check-out, and online ordering eliminate humans from transactions. While the loss of conversation between family members and friends is lamentable, it’s the lack of casual interactions between strangers — shoppers and clerks, bank tellers and customers, people waiting in the lunch line — that presents an immeasurable loss. “The experience of being seen by a chaplain, teacher, or doctor can be quite intense. But research shows that being seen by a passing acquaintance can also make a difference to our well-being” (Hidden Brain). “Small talk” plays a big role in boosting self-esteem and feelings of belonging. Chatter acts as a glue of community.
Casual chatter matters
