This is Propaganda!
Psychology Today
March 11, 2025
Many professors have witnessed [1] a troubling trend in recent years: College students are struggling with reading more than ever. This isn’t just about preferring Netflix to novels; it’s a fundamental shift in how young adults engage with text, and it can have serious implications for their academic success and future careers.
The Decline of Reading Skills
Let’s face it: Reading isn’t what it used to be. In the attention economy of the digital world, long-form content is often seen as a chore rather than a pleasure. Recent trends indicate a concerning decline in reading skills among college students:
- Struggles with complex texts: Many students fixate on isolated details rather than grasping the full context.
- Diminished focus and endurance: Short attention spans make it difficult to engage with long passages.
- Preference for short-form content: Social media consumption has rewired reading habits, making traditional texts feel overwhelming.
- Superficial engagement: Skimming has replaced deep reading, leading to a weaker grasp of complex ideas.
- Skepticism about reading’s value: Some students view reading as outdated, favoring video content and artificial intelligence (AI) summaries instead.
- Pandemic’s lasting impact: Lowered academic standards and inflated grades have left many underprepared for college-level reading.
The Consequences
This decline in reading skills isn’t just an academic issue; it has real-world implications. Students who struggle with reading often:
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Have difficulty comprehending complex ideas in their chosen fields.
Struggle to communicate effectively in writing. -
Miss out on the cognitive benefits of deep reading, such as improved empathy and critical thinking.
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Face challenges in careers that require analysis of detailed reports or contracts.
