@readbeanicecream interesting.

I wonder how well these changes mirror growing political polarization.

From my own experience, people sometimes speak less on social media because what's the point? You just get embroiled in discussion with trolls and the like who you're never going to change the opinions of.

I mean, I still do it sometimes. If I have the energy to deal with that crap and the issue is important enough.

@Curiosity00 The researchers cited this experience as well:

"The researchers noted that this decline could be tied to the growth of social media platforms, where opinions are widely broadcasted and scrutinized, making individuals more cautious about sharing viewpoints that might be controversial."

Which we all know can be echo chambers of particular view points.