The Minefield cover image

The Minefield

In a screen saturated age, is literacy under threat?

Jan 17, 2024
Professor Maryanne Wolf discusses the threat to literacy in a screen-saturated age, emphasizing the importance of deep reading for moral understanding. The conversation explores the connection between literacy, knowledge, and morality in literature and pop music, highlighting the transformative power of engaging deeply with texts. The value of being stopped in your tracks by literature and art is emphasized, advocating for intentional reading practices to nurture attention in a digital world.
53:30

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Deep reading cultivates moral growth through character immersion and reflection.
  • Physical books enhance deep engagement by providing spatial memory cues.

Deep dives

Importance of Deep Reading and Attention

Deep reading, as discussed in the podcast, involves immersing oneself in literature to understand characters deeply, fostering moral growth. The significance of attentiveness and patience in reading is highlighted, contrasting with superficial reading habits influenced by screen culture. Through encounters with literature that demand reflection and attention, individuals can develop moral habits and empathy, essential for meaningful engagement with texts.

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