health
Every year, humans speak less and less. That’s bad news, even if you hate mindless chit-chat
Silent retreats are all the rage; hotel guests are embracing ‘hushpitatility’. But won’t this leave us more isolated?
TL;DR
- A study found that the average daily spoken word count has been declining annually since 2005, with a steeper decline observed in individuals under 25.
- Lack of social connection is linked to increased risk of premature death, comparable to smoking.
- Trends such as 'silent walking' and 'hushpitality' in hotels indicate a growing societal interest in quietude and reduced verbal interaction.
- The article questions whether the increasing preference for silence is detrimental and suggests a need for balanced communication.