Talking too much can cause anxiety for the people listening for several reasons:
Overstimulation: When someone talks excessively, it can overwhelm the listener's cognitive processing capacity. The brain has a limited capacity to absorb information, and an overload of constant talking can make it difficult for the listener to process and retain the information.
Lack of Control: Being subjected to a constant stream of information can leave the listener feeling powerless and unable to contribute to the conversation. They may feel like they have no control over the flow of the discussion and find it challenging to interject or share their own thoughts.
Feeling Ignored: When one person dominates a conversation, it can make others feel disregarded or invalidated. The listeners may feel like their thoughts and opinions are not valued, leading to feelings of frustration and anxiety.
Social Pressure: Excessive talking can create social pressure for the listener to respond or engage actively in the conversation. This pressure to participate can lead to anxiety, especially if the listener is introverted or uncomfortable in social situations.
Sensory Overload: Listening to someone talk too much can lead to sensory overload, especially in environments with other stimuli, like background noise or a crowd. This can contribute to increased stress and anxiety.
Difficulty Concentrating: A non-stop monologue can make it challenging for the listener to concentrate on the main points or important details. As a result, they might worry about missing crucial information or misunderstand what is being conveyed.
Emotional Exhaustion: Listening to someone talk excessively, especially about negative or distressing topics, can emotionally drain the listener. Constant exposure to emotional content can heighten anxiety levels.
Lack of Empathy: If the person talking is not considerate of the listener's feelings and continues to talk without noticing signs of discomfort, it can lead to feelings of disconnection and anxiety.
It's important to note that these effects may vary from person to person. Some individuals may have a higher tolerance for listening to others talk extensively, while others might feel anxious more quickly. Additionally, cultural norms and individual communication styles can influence how people perceive and respond to excessive talking.
To promote more balanced and comfortable conversations, it's essential for both speakers and listeners to be aware of each other's cues and engage in active, empathetic communication. If someone frequently experiences anxiety during conversations, it may be helpful for them to explore coping strategies and, if necessary, seek support from a mental health professional.