Are Screens Robbing Us of Our Capacity for Deep Reading? Research as Understanding.

Are Screens Robbing Us of Our Capacity for Deep Reading? Research as Understanding.

In today's digital age, it seems that our capacity for deep reading is diminishing. The proportion of Americans who read books for pleasure is at its lowest level ever recorded. Between 2004 and 2017, the proportion of men reading for pleasure fell by 40 percent, while for women, it was down by 29 percent. The constant distractions of our modern culture have led to a decline in one of the simplest and most common forms of flow that people experience in their lives - reading a book.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, in his research, has discovered that reading a book is a form of flow that is being choked off in our society. Flow is a state of complete immersion and focus in an activity, where time seems to fly by and we are fully engaged. Deep reading, which requires sustained attention and concentration, is a prime example of flow. However, with the rise of screens and constant distractions, our ability to engage in deep reading is diminishing.

When we read on screens, we are more likely to scan and skim the information rather than fully immerse ourselves in the text. This habit of quickly extracting information from screens starts to influence how we read on paper as well. Our screenreading contaminates our book-reading, leading to a loss of the pleasures that come from reading books. As a result, we become less likely to read books, further perpetuating the decline in deep reading.

Anne, through her studies, has found that people understand and remember less of what they absorb on screens compared to when they read information in printed books. This finding highlights the detrimental effects of screens on our ability to comprehend and retain information. The spiral continues as we rely more on screens for reading, further eroding our capacity for deep reading.

Every time a new medium is introduced, whether it be the invention of the printed book, television, or Twitter, it changes the way we see and understand the world. Marshall McLuhan famously stated that every new medium carries a message within it. However, it is important to recognize that these messages are not always accurate or reflective of the complexity of the world.

The world is complex, and to truly understand it, we need to set aside time for deep thinking and reflection. In our fast-paced society, where information is condensed into bite-sized tweets and posts, it is easy to overlook the value of focusing on one thing for an extended period. Narrowing our attention to one thing, sentence after sentence, page after page, allows us to delve deep into a subject and gain a more profound understanding.

Additionally, it is essential to consider how other people live and how their minds work. By expanding our perspectives and thinking deeply about others, we can tap into the best parts of human nature. Deep focus and understanding foster empathy and connection, which are crucial for a fulfilling life.

In light of these insights, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Carve out dedicated time for deep reading: Set aside specific periods in your day where you disconnect from screens and immerse yourself in a book. Create a quiet and comfortable space free from distractions to enhance your focus and engagement.

• 2. Practice active comprehension: When reading, actively process the information by asking yourself questions, making connections, and summarizing key points. This approach enhances your understanding and retention of the material, regardless of whether you are reading from a screen or a printed book.

• 3. Foster curiosity and playfulness: Approach learning and research with a sense of curiosity, enjoyment, humor, and amazement. Embrace the process of actively constructing explanations of how things work, rather than solely focusing on making novel discoveries. The joy and playfulness in the learning process can lead to deeper understanding and creativity.

In conclusion, screens may be robbing us of our capacity for deep reading, but it is within our power to reclaim it. By recognizing the importance of deep reading, carving out dedicated time for it, and fostering curiosity and playfulness, we can rekindle our love for books and the profound insights they offer. Let us not allow the allure of screens to overshadow the value of deep reading and understanding in our lives.