@npr: As screens take over more of our lives we appear to be speaking to each other less and less — a growing silence could have unintended consequences. An analysis of daily audio recordings over 14 years, starting in 2005, finds people spoke 338 fewer words each day on average — a 28% drop in all. The researchers, who published their findings in "Perspectives on Psychological Science," say the word drop is wearing away at social connection and more, says Maryellen MacDonald, author of "More Than Words: How Talking Sharpens the Mind and Shapes Our World." She says, "talking focuses our attention, improves long-term planning, helps to regulate our emotions." AI communication and companions aren't helping, "giving us even less reasons to converse," MacDonald says. Researchers say a brief chat with a neighbor or stranger can make up for the word decline. Find “NPR News Now” wherever you listen to podcasts. Host: Korva Coleman/NPR Reporter: Amy Held/NPR Producer: Zayrha Rodriguez/NPR

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Saturday 26 September 2026 16:00:16 GMT