Does Bionic Reading actually work? We timed over 2,000 readers and the results might surprise you. After analyzing data from 2,074 testers, we found no evidence that Bionic Reading has any positive effect on reading speed. Participants read 2.6 words per minute slower on average with Bionic Reading than without. That said, the difference here is so small (less than 1%), that the real takeaway is Bionic Reading has no impact on reading speed.

Does Bionic Reading actually work? We timed over 2,000 readers and the results might surprise you. After analyzing data from 2,074 testers, we found no evidence that Bionic Reading has any positive effect on reading speed. Participants read 2.6 words per minute slower on average with Bionic Reading than without. That said, the difference here is so small (less than 1%), that the real takeaway is Bionic Reading has no impact on reading speed.

But what about highlighting? Does it have the same effect on online reading? I believe that online reading offers unique advantages when it comes to highlighting. With physical reading, we can only use a highlighter to mark important parts of the text. However, with online reading, we can easily search for previous highlights and connect them in a serendipitous manner. This is something that physical reading with a highlighter cannot do. Additionally, with social highlighter tools, readers can connect their own learning with others'. This opens up new opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

However, despite its popularity, highlighting tends not to be a very effective reading strategy. Students often highlight because they want to focus on the important parts of the text for later study. The problem with this approach is that instead of thinking critically about the content, they primarily spend their mental energy sorting the content into what’s important and what’s not. This can get in the way of a deeper understanding of the big picture.

That being said, highlighting isn't inherently bad. It depends on what students highlight and how they use that content later. There are effective strategies to use when reading that engage your brain in deep thinking about the text. Here are three actionable tips:

1. Preview the text: Before you start reading, take a few moments to preview the text. Skim through the headings, subheadings, and any bold or italicized text. This will give you a sense of the main ideas and structure of the text.

2. Annotate: As you read, take brief notes in your own words about the main concepts and key words in the margins of the text. This will help you actively engage with the material and reinforce your understanding.

3. Ask and answer questions: Turn headings into questions and then answer them as you read. This helps you stay focused and actively process the information. It also encourages deeper thinking and analysis of the text.

Additionally, try to limit yourself to highlighting only one sentence or phrase per paragraph. Look for the sentence that best expresses the main concept. This will help you avoid the illusion of competence and ensure that your highlighting is focused on the most important information.

In conclusion, Bionic Reading may not have any impact on reading speed, but highlighting, while popular, tends to be an ineffective reading strategy. Instead, use strategies that engage your brain in deep thinking about the text, such as previewing the text, annotating, asking and answering questions, and summarizing. By actively engaging with the material, you can improve your understanding and retention of the content.