Deep Reading Boosts Critical Thinking, Helps Combat Misinformation, Study Shows

In an era dominated by digital distraction, Americans check their smartphones an average of 140 times daily, spending approximately 4.5 hours on their devices, according to recent data. A striking 57% of users admit to feeling “addicted” to their phones, creating a fertile environment for misinformation as tech companies and content creators aggressively compete for attention.

This digital landscape makes strong critical reading skills more essential than ever, even as literacy concerns mount nationwide. Reading comprehension scores continue to decline, while many Gen Z parents view reading to their children as a chore rather than a valuable activity. Even at the collegiate level, professors report students struggling to complete entire books.

Social media platforms exacerbate these issues through design elements that encourage passive engagement. Endless scrolling, easy reposting, and algorithms that feed users similar content create an environment where people primarily use these platforms to alleviate boredom or escape stress.

“Deep reading refers to the intentional process of engaging with information in critical, analytical and empathetic ways,” explain JT Torres, director of the Harte Center for Teaching and Learning at Washington and Lee University, and Jeff Saerys-Foy, associate professor of psychology at Quinnipiac University. Their research focuses on how people process information through reading.

The contrast between deep reading and digital consumption is stark. While deep reading involves making inferences, drawing connections, and questioning interpretations, social media algorithms typically reinforce existing beliefs by presenting similar content repeatedly. This repeated exposure increases information believability through what researchers call the “illusory truth” effect.

Deep reading requires significant mental effort and can initially trigger negative feelings like confusion or irritation. Given these challenges, many people default to the easier option of scrolling and skimming. However, this convenience comes with unintended consequences.

Research indicates that extensive smartphone and social media use correlates with increased feelings of boredom and loneliness. “Doomscrolling” specifically relates to higher levels of existential anxiety and misanthropy. Conversely, activities requiring attention and effort, despite being exhausting, can deepen one’s sense of purpose and strengthen social connections.

“People feel motivated to complete tasks that help them pursue personal goals, especially when these tasks are recognized by others,” the researchers note. This is why sharing books and reading experiences can effectively promote deeper engagement with texts.

Educational settings demonstrate this principle when teachers guide students through full novels paired with active discussions to reinforce comprehension. While debates continue about whether to assign excerpts or complete books in schools, evidence suggests that sustained reading in social contexts promotes lifelong reading enjoyment.

Social media can also be leveraged as a positive force in this equation. BookTok, a thriving community on TikTok devoted to discussing and recommending books, demonstrates how platforms typically associated with short-form content can nurture deeper literary engagement. Similarly, fans who post detailed analyses of popular media show that critical thinking still has a place within social media environments.

For those looking to develop deeper reading skills, Torres and Saerys-Foy offer practical advice. Simply being aware of how digital reading practices shape your brain can encourage new habits. Research shows that pausing briefly before sharing information reduces susceptibility to misinformation, while taking a few extra seconds to consciously evaluate content can counteract the illusory truth effect.

“Reading deeply means being able to intentionally choose when to read at different speeds,” the researchers explain, “slowing down as needed to wrestle with difficult passages, savor striking prose, critically evaluate information, and reflect on the meaning of a text.”

They recommend starting small with poems, short stories, or essays before tackling longer texts. Reading with a partner and setting achievable goals, such as completing one chapter daily, can build momentum. These practices not only improve critical thinking but also expose readers to new perspectives that can be explored in conversation with others.

In a world of digital distractions and declining literacy, deep reading offers a powerful antidote to misinformation while reducing stress and combating loneliness. The challenge lies in consciously choosing the mental effort of deep engagement over the convenience of passive scrolling.