Why Too Much Talking Can Make You Unhappy
Psychologists and researchers alike have been studying the well being and happiness of people in relation to the conversations they have with others. Their studies included personality tests and well-being assessments as well as a listening device that was worn for four days.
Psychologists and researchers listened to these devices and determined which conversations were trivial, and which were considered deep and meaningful. They found that the happiest people spend 25 percent less time alone, and 70 percent more time having conversations with others. This may not be surprising information but what they discovered next, was very surprising.
The type of conversation that the participants were involved in had a large effect on their happiness level. Small talk and chit chatting by the participants did not raise the happiness level a significant amount. However, those participants that delved into deep, meaningful, and profound conversations, had a significant increase in well being and happiness. A professor at the University of Arizona speculated that this shows our need as humans to connect on a deeper level. Meaningful interaction creates a sense of security and intimacy that is necessary for our happiness and well being.
This study and the findings were recently published in Psychological Science. 
The study reflects our tendency to cover our brokenness, both from ourselves and others, with the band-aid of superficiality. recognizing and admitting our brokenness requires risk (vulnerability) and that means we need someone who will listen and respond on a level deeper than chit-chat (or gossip).
John-
I’m going to guess that your a Christian. Am I wrong?
This may explain why women are generally more happy than men. Their interactions with other women tend to be deeper and more substantive than the usual interactions among men. It may also explain why men are uncomfortable in talking with women about real things.
I assume texting, twitter, and facebook fall into the superficial form of communication that doesn’t contribute to our overall happiness.