Scientists have pointed to the development of thinking through deep reading

On average, Americans check their phone more than 140 times a day and spend about 4.5 hours on the screen. At the same time, 57% admit that they consider themselves "addicted" to a smartphone. In such an information environment, critical, deep reading skills are becoming more important than ever. This was announced on January 20 by the Science X portal.

Allegedly, the level of reading literacy continues to decline. Text comprehension rates are falling, many parents now do not read aloud to their children, and a significant number of students are unable to master an entire book. Social media with an endless feed encourages passive consumption of information as a way to kill time and reduce stress.

The authors of the article note that deep reading can counteract misinformation, as well as reduce stress and loneliness. However, it is not easy to move from a quick "scan" to thoughtful reading.

Smartphones and social media are used for various purposes, from news search to communication. But an overabundance of information overloads attention and worsens decision-making. Algorithms feed the user similar content, reinforcing existing beliefs. Repeated information seems more plausible — this effect is known as "illusory truth."

Deep reading, on the contrary, involves conscious, analytical and empathic work with the text: the ability to draw conclusions, see connections, take into account different points of view and ask questions. This process requires effort and can cause irritation or discomfort, but it is what the researchers say develops critical thinking.

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Uncontrolled scrolling can lead to boredom, loneliness, existential anxiety, and even misanthropy. At the same time, attention and mental effort, while exhausting, enhance a sense of meaning and social connection. Reading and discussing books together can be a powerful motivator, both in the classroom and in online communities. An example is the BookTok community on TikTok, where users share recommendations and detailed analyses of books, movies, and TV series. This shows that deep analysis is possible even in the social media environment.

Awareness in digital consumption is the first step towards developing deep reading skills. Even a short pause before evaluating information reduces the susceptibility to inaccurate data. Deliberate deceleration helps counteract the effect of "illusory truth."

Deep reading is the ability to purposefully choose the pace: slow down on complex fragments, analyze arguments, enjoy the language and reflect on the meaning of the text. This is a dialogue with the text, not a simple extraction of facts.

Experts say that you can start small — with poems, short stories, and essays. It is also useful to read with a friend or family member, setting achievable goals (for example, one chapter per day) and discussing what you have read. This practice, according to the researchers, broadens horizons, strengthens critical thinking and helps to meaningfully navigate the flow of information, both offline and online.

On January 16, National Geographic magazine reported on the relationship between reading habits and life expectancy. According to the publication, reading helps reduce stress levels, improve memory, and protect against cognitive decline. Experts say that it is enough to devote 10-30 minutes to books per day for the benefit, and you should also choose really interesting works, rather than those that "need" to be read.

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