Why are people quiet when riding an elevator?

I guess since it's an enclosed space, when you talk, even in hushed tones, your voice comes out really loud. Also when you're standing really close to other people, it doesn't seem to be a comfortable situation to be chatting. I mean, people don't exactly want to know what you and your friend are talking about unless they're really nosy. I read in one of my favorite artists' sites that he doesn't like people who talk in elevators LOL. Well, my sister does it sometimes, and I get kind of embarrassed because people would be looking at her as if she's calling attention to herself (although this isn't the case at all).

well its quiet in there like the libary and wen u talk u feel like ur doing somthing wrong plus if ur full with a bunch of strangers well ur not going to talk to them and well even if u had someon u no in there well why wud u want the other ppl to here ur conversation

Perhaps trying to confirm whether it is in motion or not, OR maybe getting alert out of fear of getting stuck in middle.

I have noticed that too! I like to think some people are afraid of elevators or are just in a hurry to get where they are going. Either way, it's not anything personal, have a wonderful night!

i sincerely nvr tot of tht!! haha. i guess it's juz natural for us to be quiet in the elevator. or maybe it's coz the elevator hav such small space n got echo so ppl dont reli feel like talkin in case someone overhears them? like me n my frens r usually very noisy n giggly in elevators but if there's a stranger in it too i doubt we'll be noisy. but its such a good opportunity for us to hav a moment to ourselves dont u think so? =)

Wanna have some fun? Notice whenever you are in an elevator people walk in and turn around to face the door. Next time you walk into an elevator with other people already in it don't turn around. It makes them uncomfortable but they will talk or shuffle their feet or something amusing. I have tried this a few times and it makes me chuckle.