Digital Age Demands Return to Deep Reading Amid Rising Phone Addiction

The average American checks their phone over 140 times daily, spending approximately 4.5 hours on their devices, with a majority—57%—admitting they feel addicted. This digital dependence has created fertile ground for misinformation as tech companies and content creators compete aggressively for attention in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

Against this backdrop, critical reading skills have never been more essential. Yet literacy trends show alarming declines. Reading comprehension scores continue to fall nationwide, while many Gen Z parents view reading aloud to their children as a chore rather than an opportunity. Perhaps most concerning, growing numbers of college students struggle to complete entire books.

“Social media platforms are deliberately designed to encourage passive engagement,” explains cognitive scientist Jeff Saerys-Foy, who studies information processing. “The endless scrolling mechanism rewards quick consumption rather than thoughtful analysis, creating habits that can be difficult to break.”

The consequences extend beyond information quality. Social media usage correlates with increased levels of boredom and loneliness, according to recent research. Doomscrolling—the habit of continuously consuming negative news—has been linked to higher rates of existential anxiety and misanthropy.

By contrast, deep reading—the process of engaging with text in critical, analytical, and empathetic ways—offers significant cognitive and emotional benefits, according to literacy expert JT Torres, Director of the Harte Center for Teaching and Learning at Washington and Lee University.

“Deep reading involves making inferences, drawing connections, engaging with different perspectives, and questioning interpretations,” Torres notes. “While it requires more effort than casual scrolling, it strengthens neural pathways associated with sustained attention and critical thinking.”

This cognitive workout can feel challenging initially. Research shows that deep reading often triggers negative feelings like irritation or confusion—making the easy escape of social media particularly tempting. However, the long-term rewards of deep reading may outweigh momentary discomfort.

Studies indicate that focused attention, despite being mentally taxing, can deepen one’s sense of purpose and strengthen social connections. People also feel motivated to complete tasks that align with personal goals, especially when recognized by others. This creates opportunities for social reading experiences that can reinvigorate interest in extended texts.

“One example is a teacher who guides students through longer texts, like novels, paired with active discussions,” explains Torres. “While there’s ongoing debate about whether to assign excerpts or complete books in schools, evidence suggests that sustained reading in social settings promotes lifelong reading habits.”

Interestingly, social media isn’t entirely at odds with deeper reading. Communities like BookTok—a popular TikTok subculture dedicated to discussing literature—demonstrate how digital platforms can foster meaningful literary engagement. Users share in-depth analyses and recommendations, creating virtual book clubs that encourage more substantial reading.

Experts suggest several strategies to cultivate deeper reading habits:

First, recognize how digital reading practices shape cognition. Simply being aware of these effects can encourage more mindful information consumption.

Second, intentionally slow down. Research shows that pausing briefly before sharing information reduces susceptibility to misinformation. Taking a few extra seconds to evaluate content can counteract the “illusory truth effect,” where repeated exposure to information increases its perceived credibility regardless of accuracy.

Third, start small. Begin with poems, short stories, or essays before attempting longer works. Setting achievable goals builds confidence and reading stamina.

Finally, make reading social. Partner with a friend to read a novel together, discussing chapters as you progress. These conversations reinforce comprehension while adding a meaningful social dimension to what can be a solitary activity.

“Deep reading doesn’t mean completely abandoning quick-consumption media,” Saerys-Foy cautions. “It means becoming more conscious of balancing different reading modes and deliberately engaging with diverse perspectives.”

As digital distractions continue to multiply, the ability to read deeply may become an increasingly valuable skill—not just for academic success, but for psychological wellbeing and informed citizenship in an era defined by information abundance.