A Mug of Insights 023: A Defence of Long-Form Reading In Our Distracted Age
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Sep 24, 2025 Explore the changing landscape of long-form reading in an age dominated by smartphones. Discover the paradox of reading more words but retaining less knowledge. Delve into the advantages of sustained attention and how it transforms scattered information into coherent narratives. Learn about the cognitive benefits and how to train your focus through a digital diet. The conversation highlights practical steps to reclaim your attention and make long-form reading the new norm.
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Reading Changed, Not Disappeared
- Robin Waldun argues the smartphone changed what we read, not that we stopped reading entirely.
- He points out we now consume many written words daily but the form has shifted to short bursts.
We Read Far More Words Than You Think
- Robin cites a 2017 estimate that an average US smartphone user reads ~62,250 words daily.
- He uses this to show volume of reading is high but often fragmented and shallow.
Information Versus Knowledge
- Robin contrasts information (additive) with knowledge (narrative and selective).
- He claims long-form reading converts scattered information into organized narrative knowledge.
