James Marriott, a Times columnist with deep insights into literacy and culture, joins Alastair Benn to explore whether we are entering a post-literate society. They discuss alarming trends in declining literacy rates and the shift from traditional reading to audiovisual content. Marriott emphasizes the historical evolution of literacy, highlighting its socio-economic effects, and warns of the dangers that poor communication poses to democracy. The conversation also tackles the role of AI and the struggle against triviality in today's digital age.
The decline in mass literacy reflects a cultural shift towards audiovisual consumption, greatly affecting our capacity for deep thought and engagement.
Historically, the rise of literacy in the 16th and 17th centuries transformed access to knowledge, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for education and enlightenment.
The challenges posed by a post-literate society threaten democratic discourse, highlighting the risks of fragmented communication and social inequality in accessing information.
Deep dives
The Retreat of Literacy
Recent findings indicate a significant decline in literacy across various countries, with notable declines in reading scores reported by the World Bank. This trend reflects a cultural shift from traditional reading habits to more screen-based activities, particularly with the rise of smartphones. The discussion highlights how social media and short-form video content have replaced more sustained forms of reading, impacting our ability to engage in deep, concentrated thought. Moreover, the lessening focus on literacy raises concerns about its potential implications for self-knowledge and critical thinking in society.
The Historical Perspective on Literacy
Historically, mass literacy is a relatively recent phenomenon, particularly in the context of the 16th and 17th centuries in England, where a majority of the adult population was illiterate. The Protestant Reformation played a crucial role in emphasizing the need for literacy, linking it to access to religious texts and resulting in gradual increases in reading proficiency. This period marked a transformative moment in which literature became more accessible to a larger audience, yet many still relied on oral traditions. Understanding the evolution of literacy highlights that today's concerns may echo past societal struggles for education and enlightenment.
The Impact of Social Media on Communication
The way individuals communicate has shifted dramatically, particularly with the influence of social media and the decline of formal, text-based communication. The podcast emphasizes the difference between the coherent, lengthy exchanges of previous generations compared to the fragmented, rapid-fire dialogue often found in today's online interactions. This change significantly impacts democratic discourse, compromising the ability to engage in rational debate and reasoned argumentation. As people gravitate towards the immediacy of social media, it reinforces a culture of superficiality over meaningful engagement.
The Consequences of a Post-Literate Society
The emergence of a post-literate society poses profound challenges to democratic principles, with literacy historically intertwined with informed citizenry and civic engagement. The decline of sustained reading and critical thinking could undermine the very foundations of democracy, leading to a monopolization of power by those who can manipulate fragmented communication. Additionally, there is concern about the burgeoning class divide, where access to quality information and literacy may become privileges of the wealthy. This division could exacerbate social inequalities, preventing lower socioeconomic groups from engaging fully with literature and critical thought.
The Future of Intellectual Culture
The podcast discusses the potential future trajectory of intellectual culture in a landscape dominated by audiovisual media and superficial engagement. Concerns are raised about diminished deep thinking and a lack of sustained argumentation, central to true intellectual discourse. The rise of jargon-driven language, lacking substance, is seen as a barrier to meaningful communication. However, there is a glimmer of hope that a return to deeper literacy and critical engagement could emerge as a counter-movement to the shallowness of contemporary media, reminding us of literature's enduring power as a tool for reflection and change.
Is the era of mass literacy over? And what might a post-literate society look like?
EI's Alastair Benn is joined by Times columnist James Marriott and Senior Editor Paul Lay to discuss the promise and peril of a culture defined by the audiovisual.
