The Colin McEnroe Show We're reading fewer books. That's not good
4 snips
Dec 5, 2024 
Rose Horowitch, an Assistant Editor at The Atlantic, discusses the alarming trend of declining book reading, particularly among college students. Maryanne Wolf, a renowned researcher in literacy and dyslexia, emphasizes the importance of deep reading for cognitive and emotional growth. Novelist Ben Winters adds perspective on the struggle to find meaningful literature in a fast-paced digital world. Together, they explore how technology skews reading habits and the societal consequences of choosing screen time over substantial texts.
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Declining Reading Skills
College professors observe a shift in student reading abilities over the past decade. Students struggle with attention, stamina, detailed reading, and grappling with complex ideas.
High School Impact
High schools assign fewer full books, impacting college reading preparedness. Educational initiatives like No Child Left Behind and Common Core prioritize informational texts and tests.
Shifting College Values
College students prioritize financial well-being over developing a philosophy of life. This trend has reversed over the last half-century.
