First Things Podcast The Death of Mass Literacy
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Jun 20, 2025 Wessie du Toit, a writer known for his insightful analysis on reading, joins Rusty Reno to delve into the decline of mass literacy. They explore the historical rise of reading and its societal benefits, alongside the challenges posed by digital media. Du Toit discusses the complexities of cultural exclusivity and the superficiality in modern narratives, contrasting them with the intellectual depth of the past. They underline reading's crucial role in nurturing democracy and the enchanting allure of physical books in a digital age.
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The Boom of Mass Reading
- The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw an unprecedented boom in mass reading and literacy.
- This rise empowered many social groups and transformed how people accessed information and education.
TV Triggered Reading Decline
- Television's widespread adoption in the 1950s caused a significant and immediate drop in reading.
- Reading competes with other activities for our time, so media shifts affect literacy rates.
From Deep Literacy to Hyperliteracy
- People read more words today but in fragmented, disconnected pieces on screens.
- This hyperliteracy contrasts with "deep literacy," meaning extended, focused reading necessary for intellectual growth.
