The demise of oral communication

Most adults of my generation often comment on the use of the word "like" by today's youth.  I often find myself counting the "likes" offered up by youthful and often not-so-youthful commenters on news programs during the course of an interview.  It is a breakdown of the capacity to think and express thoughts coherently, which according to at least one professor stems from a diminishing ability to think in the abstract.  The cause of this disability is in the realm of speculation, however one professor observing the change in speaking patters of his students over time opined it has to do with teaching in middle and high schools these days.  It appears there is no focus on the basics, that any form of expression is okay and permmisible  Must not be critical otherwise might damage student self esteem.  This sounds like the end result of political correctness, multiculturalism and affirmative action in play.   This article enlightens on the history and development of this disease.