Science

Researchers say we’re talking less than ever

Researchers at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the University of Arizona determined that the average number of words spoken aloud to another person decreased by nearly 28 percent between 2005 and 2019, falling from 16,632 words. This reduction in verbal communication, which may have worsened since the pandemic, is attributed to the increased prevalence of ordering via apps, texting, and overall online living.