I took a break from WoW for about 4 months. I came back and… no one is talking in any of the channels. Trade, general, its so inactive. I’ve seen someone talk about 2 times since I’ve been back… which is vastly different compared to how it was just a few months ago.
I first thought it was a error or a setting that was on… but I’m realizing now that it is not. Has the ToS changed? or is the game seriously decreasing in population?
I’m horde on Tichondrius
4 months? They’ve been dead for longer than that…
As to the answer to your question, go read up on/Google the “Social Contract” for an explanation of why the global chat channels are less active nowadays (…not including boost advertising/RMT stuff, which is mostly unchanged)
Because if you ever say anything you will get mass reported by unhappy and unfun ppl and the AI will delete you.
I’m not sure about your 4 month timeline, but in general talking in game is down.
When I joined in TBC it was a common joke that wow was just an advanced AOL chatroom. The rise in exterior chat options like discord have moved many players from chatting in game to chatting on a third party app.
I’ve noticed people talk in raid general like if you go into a raid and type in /1 people usually talk in there. I do because it isn’t being spammed with people selling crafting orders. I miss old trade chat where people actually had something to talk about with eachother.
I’d rather chat in Discord. 
Discord.
I’m almost always in voice chat with my friends on Discord when I play, so I have no reason to chat in game. Don’t need to ask to group for dungeons when you can just use the finder. Don’t need to ask for professions when you can just post a crafting order.
Lots of people have multiple monitors now too, so can be in discord with the overlay or a 2nd monitor without even having to tab out.
AI doesn’t need to chat.
Because of the heavy handed moderation and the automated report system. Its out of control and allowed for people to get anyone they deem unworthy silenced.
Its best to just delete Trade chat
bg chat is usually busy. sure its all insults but its active!
I don’t think I’ve had trade chat turned on in like 8yrs, I talk to my friends in GChat or discord.
People doubting my timeline:
It could have been 5-6 months ago… I pretty much went very very casual for like 3-4 months after a hardcore stint. And then quit all together because work got crazy. But now I’m back. I was here during the social contracts… I knew about that already. Didn’t think that stopped anyone.
What a shame! I loved the nonsensical trade chat. I don’t even see the spammed advertisements anymore. This definitely makes up a different game.
Cause anything and everything will get you banned.
Too much crafting order spam + automated silence system based on reports without verification on blizzard-side.
2 words: Social Contract.
I don’t think any one thing is doing it. I curse like a sailor in trade chat and i’ve never been warned…
But I don’t do it anymore because I just don’t feel the need. I socialize less and less as yrs go by. I couldn’t even pinpoint the exact cause myself.
Perhaps as I get more comfortable with myself I feel less need for validation or bouncing ideas off others?
yeah I don’t think the social contract did anything. I’ve played for a while with it in place and I’ve never changed any of my habits. I’ll still shout in trade “HAIL EMPERROR DRUMPF” but unfortunately I don’t get anything back. I miss the good ol days
I for one wish trade could be a hive of scum and villainy, as god intended.
I do think people are a bit more wary of saying anything nowadays with the social contract.
I don’t think it brings people closer together, it drives people apart (although it’s well intentioned I’m sure).
I stopped contributing my vast intellect to trade chat the first time I got in trouble for my poetry. (My poetry is typing “anal” and then linking some random talent, ability or item for hours on end)
The obvious reason is less people are playing.