

Episode 145: Reading and Electronics
Nov 2, 2018
This podcast dives into the clash between reading habits and technology's dominance. Studies reveal alarming declines in reading proficiency linked to screens, with impacts spanning literacy and even crime rates. The discussion contrasts the addictive nature of devices with the deep concentration required for reading. E-readers are shown to fall short of the benefits offered by physical books, while multimedia learning hampers comprehension. Practical strategies for families to navigate technology and promote reading are also highlighted, making it a must-listen for concerned parents.
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Literary Reading Is Rapidly Declining
- Literary reading has fallen sharply across ages and education levels, reducing empathy and civic engagement.
- Emily Kaiser links reading declines to societal harms like poor workplace literacy and lower volunteerism.
Illiteracy Correlates With Crime Rates
- Low literacy correlates strongly with incarceration and juvenile delinquency in multiple studies.
- Emily Kaiser highlights alarming stats linking poor reading to prison populations and youth outcomes.
Phones Spread Fast While Deep Reading Falls
- Mobile and social technologies have exploded while voluntary reading has declined, especially among youth.
- Emily Kaiser and Nicole Williams connect smartphone prevalence to decreased reading frequency and attention issues.