Generated silence? Artificial Intelligence and the regression of spoken language as a new threat to interpersonal communication

In the era of widespread reliance on artificial intelligence tools, we are witnessing a phenomenon that is subtle yet increasingly evident: the regression of spoken language. The automation of cognitive processes, the delegation of content creation to AI, and the dependence on algorithmic prompts contribute to the decline of the ability to express oneself freely, spontaneously, and coherently. In this article, combining a research-based perspective with long-standing experience as a speaker, I examine how AI affects our rhetorical and argumentative skills. Spoken language is not merely a vehicle of information transfer but a fundamental element in building relationships, identity, and communicative security. When we begin to replace our own voice with generated text, we lose not only agency in dialogue but also the capacity for authentic self-expression. Within this context, I pose questions about the future of language in the age of artificial intelligence: Is ethical communication possible without the living word? And does the preservation of speaking competence now represent one of the most pressing challenges for education, media, and civil society? Recognizing the existence of this threat may stimulate further reflection and serve as a motivating factor for continued research on the subject.