Is it a new cultural norm in the US to pressure women into small talk? Or am I imagining things?

Hey everyone, I wanted to get some perspective on something I've been noticing lately.

Is it normal in American culture now for women to be heavily pressured to converse? Lately, I feel like people constantly insist on initiating conversation with me. To be clear, it's not flirting—just pure small talk.

This really wasn't true when I was younger. I’ve always been a massive introvert and I deeply prefer silent company over endless chatter. But lately, it feels like just existing in silence is no longer culturally acceptable. I’m expected to enthusiastically participate in small talk, and when I don't, I get the distinct vibe that I’m being seen as rude.

Personally, I don’t actually mind if strangers think I’m rude, and I will happily avoid small talk for my own peace of mind. Small talk is incredibly stressful for me. If I get too much of it, it genuinely affects my well-being. I’m the type of person who needs absolute isolation and silence to "recharge"—which, obviously, gets harder and harder to find as you get older.

Am I just imagining this shift, or has there been a cultural change where constant small talk is mandatory now? Has anyone else (especially fellow introverted women) noticed this pressure ramping up?