Why Talking to Yourself Might Be a Sign of High Intelligence

Have you ever caught yourself talking to yourself and found it a bit odd? You’re not alone! and it might be a sign of something quite remarkable.

I’ve found that talking to myself is something I do more often than I realised. It’s not just idle chatter; but a way for me to process thoughts and ideas. Recently, I came across some intriguing opinions on this behaviour and learnt that it might actually be a sign of intelligence or a method of cognitive processing that many people share.

“It’s more common for people to talk to themselves than to not. According to one study, 96% of adults say they have an internal dialogue. While self-talk out loud is less common, 25% of the adults say they do it. Many people talk to themselves in everyday situations. There’s a stigma around talking to yourself out loud in public, but doing it can help you understand the world around you. When you talk to yourself, you’re intentionally taking in your surroundings.” - (WebMD Editorial Contributor, 2023)

The Science Behind Talking to Yourself

Research and personal experiences suggest that talking to yourself can be a sign of a sharp mind. If you often find comfort and clarity in verbalising thoughts, you might be an auditory learner. “Self-talk” is a method through which auditory learners validate their thoughts by hearing them out loud. This is particularly useful for those of us who thrive on auditory input to make sense of our world. It helps in organising and processing complex ideas.

For instance, when I’m alone, I usually imagine scenarios and talk about them with myself like a conversation. It might seem quirky, but it’s a technique that helps me work through problems and explore new ideas. It’s like having an internal dialogue that guides my decision-making and enhances my creativity.

People talk to themselves for various reasons, including problem-solving, reasoning, planning, motivation, and attention. Self-talk is common, and experts believe it can help you process your thoughts in a healthy, productive way. -(Cherry, 2023)

Why It Works

Talking to yourself can simplify complex situations. By vocalising your thoughts, you break down problems and hear your own reasoning. This makes it easier to find solutions and move forward more efficiently. It’s like having a brainstorming session with yourself, exploring different angles and ideas.

Moreover, this habit can fill social voids. If you’re in a situation where there aren’t many people around, talking to yourself can be a comforting and productive way to keep yourself engaged. It’s a form of self-dialogue that keeps you company and helps maintain your focus.

Embracing Your Inner Dialogues

There’s nothing wrong with talking to yourself. In fact, it’s a natural part of the human experience for many people. It’s a tool for self-reflection, problem-solving, and creative thinking. Embrace it as a part of your cognitive toolkit rather than seeing it as something unusual or bad.

In my experience, talking to myself has been an invaluable tool for managing my ideas and staying productive. It’s a way to articulate my thoughts and make sense of the world around me.

So, if you’re like me, this might just be a sign of your intellectual strength. It’s not a sign of madness but rather a potential indicator of a highly functional and creative mind.

When Is It a Cause for Concern?

While self-talk can be beneficial, it can sometimes be harmful. Negative or critical self-talk can create an unhealthy narrative in your mind and affect your self-worth.

Research also suggests that frequent self-talk might be linked to loneliness or a lack of social relationships. If your self-talk is associated with feelings of isolation or symptoms of anxiety or depression, consider talking to a mental healthcare provider.

Read more about the nuances of self-talk and when it might be a concern here: Verywell Health

References

WebMD Editorial Contributor. (2023, June 27). Why do people talk to themselves? WebMD. Medically reviewed by Gabriela Pichardo, MD. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/balance/why-people-talk-to-themselves

Cherry, K. (2023, September 25). Why do you talk to yourself? Verywell Mind. Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD. Retrieved from

https://www.verywellmind.com/why-do-i-talk-to-myself-causes-and-benefits-5202953

Porrey, M. (2022, November 4). Is it normal to talk to yourself? Verywell Health. Medically reviewed by Michael MacIntyre, MD. Retrieved from

https://www.verywellhealth.com/is-talking-to-yourself-normal 5272241#:~:text=Self%2Dtalk%20can%20be%20a%20symptom%20of%20a%20number%20of,intelligent%20people%20talk%20to%20themselves%3F

Raypole, C. (2020, June 16). It’s totally normal (and healthy) to talk to yourself. Healthline. Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/why-do-i-talk-to-myself