A survey of over 1,000 Americans revealed that they would rather sit in silence than force out awkward small talk. The Preply team examined a few facets of idle chit chat, especially with strangers, and found that Americans have some interesting and perhaps unexpected preferences. They delved into who Americans prefer chatting with, the topics they loathe and love, and differences in how generations feel about small talk. Whether you’re strong and silent or a social butterfly, the results are sure to interest you!

The most important aspect of conversation just might be the topic. The survey asked Americans what subjects they turn to when they have to make small talk. The most popular answers are weather, plans, and work. Respondents felt that these topics are inoffensive and relatable to anyone they might strike up a conversation with. Americans dread having to speak about family, sports, or politics. These are either too personal, too niche, or too controversial.

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As for the lines, what do Americans hate the most? These are the ones to avoid:

• Are you a (local sports team) fan?
• What do you do for work?
• Are you married?

While work might seem like an easy entry point for a conversation, many Americans find the topic stale or feel embarrassed to talk about what they do for work.

In general, Americans would prefer to avoid small talk altogether and describe it as an awkward experience. Seven in ten survey respondents preferred sitting in silence to chatting. Small talk may be lost to time, as the survey found that 2 in 3 Americans take out their phones to avoid it. Gen Z is the most likely to use this tactic. A whopping 89% of them admitted to using this tactic. Only 30% of Baby Boomers use the see strategy.

If small talk is such a dreaded activity, why do so many Americans start up a chat? It may be because 91% of Americans think small talk will turn into a deeper conversation. Many people believe that first impressions are important, and small talk is often our first interaction with others. Statistics show that older people are more interested in using small talk to learn more about others than younger people. 23% of Baby Boomers report making small talk to get to know others, while only 7% of Gen Zers do the same.

Despite a distaste for small talk, half of Americans say they do it anyway just to be polite. 44% of Gen Z said they used small talk to avoid awkward feelings, while only 21% of Baby Boomers felt the same.

Naturally, Americans vastly prefer making small talk with friends, family, and coworkers. They would prefer skipping it with strangers, restaurant workers, and retail employees. A majority of Americans think their parents are the chattiest people they know, with 37% of people saying mothers make the most small talk. Americans have a reputation for friendliness, but these survey results indicate it may be less genuine and more a matter of politeness.

“Artificial intelligence” may be the biggest buzzword of 2026. It seems like every industry is incorporating AI into its practices, but it has had the biggest impact in the business sector. Nearly 80% of businesses use AI in some way. Qualtrics has quantified the massive impact AI has on business with a chart listing 25 key statistics that illustrate its influence. These statistics help us understand how and why businesses are using AI to reach the next level.

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Many of the statistics listed show why businesses are so drawn to AI. In 2025, three out of four companies used AI regularly for at least one task. 99% of Fortune 500 companies use AI in their hiring process to screen applicants for predicted success in a role. 83% of business professionals say they’re using AI to learn new skills to further their career. Perhaps the most compelling reason businesses turn to AI is their profits. Every dollar invested in generative AI yields an average return of $3.70. Businesses are embracing what they see as AI’s stronger performance and competitive edge.

There is no doubt that AI is profitable, as these figures show. 70% of companies report increased revenue that they attribute to generative AI. Supply chains use AI to streamline logistics, and on the marketing side of business, 42% report using AI for content generation. Customer service has seen a huge explosion in AI usage, almost a 2000% increase.

AI has strong momentum, with about 70,000 companies using it globally. U.S. private investment in AI is around $109.1 billion. 90% of the world’s AI models are the work of private industry rather than government-funded research or academia, highlighting that business not only uses AI but also fuels its creation.

Small businesses are a part of these statistics. 89% of small businesses use AI in their daily operations, often for financial management and customer service. 60% of small business owners say AI has improved their employees’ productivity. Executives and senior managers are the most avid users of AI, but use by interns and entry-level employees rises every year.

Here are a few other jaw-dropping statistics that show how enormous a presence AI has in the business industry:

• AI drives over 70% of venture capital activity.
• 92% of companies plan to invest more in AI within the next three years.
• 63% of businesses use AI to generate text-based content.
• The use of AI customer service agents has grown by 2,199% since January.
• The United States is home to 29,618 AI companies, which is more than any other country.

These statistics underscore that AI is becoming a regular part of everyday business practices. Companies often say they believe AI amplifies their employee’s natural talents. Whether used for strategy, customer service, or content generation, it seems AI is here to stay.

Vocabulary can reflect aspects of our personality, and it certainly affects first impressions. Many people would prefer to sound intelligent, so the team at Preply examined which words Americans think make other people sound smarter. Regardless of findings, remember that context matters the most when it comes to vocabulary! People react well to skilled communicators and sometimes big words needlessly complicate your message. But if you want to learn some new words and spice up your vocabulary, look no further than Preply’s fun and fascinating findings.

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The team asked Americans which words they use to sound smarter and these were the top ten results:

• Ambiguous
• Articulate
• Exacerbate
• Aesthetic
• Dichotomy
• Conundrum
• Plethora
• Ambivalent
• Frivolous
• Embellish
• Mitigate

As for who uses “big words” and how often, results varied. Half of Americans reported using complex vocabulary multiple times a week. A little over half of Americans admitted that they’ve purposely used complex words to create an impression of intelligence. Gen Z was the most likely to report using vocabulary to appear smarter. 24% even admitted to using a big word, even though they didn’t know the meaning.

People report using impressive words at work, school, and home. Many Americans say they’re impressed by people who use big words at work. 58% of people have used them in job interviews or while networking to give the impression of knowledge and skill. Only 17% of the team’s survey respondents said they automatically assume complex words indicate that someone has more money and success.

35% of survey takers used complex words as a tool of intimidation and said they use them during fights and arguments. Apparently, big words mean power to some people. As for vocabulary choices on a date, the picture shifts. 34% of respondents said they use complex words on a date, but that might be a misstep. 35% of people feel their dates are pretentious when they use lofty language. 27% of daters say they are attracted to people with an impressive vocabulary, so, like all things in dating, you have to find the right person. Gen Xers are the most likely to be impressed by their date’s vocabulary. Big words are no deal breakers. Only 16% of people say that overusing complicated words would ruin the date.

There’s such a thing as taking your vocabulary too far. Half of Americans say they’re annoyed by people who use complex words in everyday conversation. 29% of people said they have tried to end a conversation with someone using unnecessarily complicated words. These were words survey takers thought made the speaker sound pretentious:

• Capricious
• Equanimity
• Sycophant
• Ephemeral
• Ubiquitous
• Dichotomy
• Juxtapose
• Quintessential
• Fastidious
• Incongruous

Notice that some of these words also appeared on the list of words that make others sound smart, so bear in mind that what impresses one person can irritate another. Learning new words is a positive pursuit that can inspire and broaden your horizons, but remember to consider the right time and place for more unusual words.