Global reading skills among teens are declining, linked to digital distractions and shorter attention spans, according to the latest PISA report.
Reading skills decline globally
The latest international PISA survey, conducted by the OECD, found that 15-year-olds are performing worse in reading, especially when it comes to understanding long texts. This trend is linked to the growing use of digital devices, which may encourage a faster, more fragmented style of reading.Deep reading is under threat
Maryanne Wolf, an emeritus professor at UCLA, refers to this shift as a move toward a "goldfish civilization," where people have shorter attention spans and find it harder to engage in deep reading. Deep reading involves complex mental processes like using prior knowledge, making inferences, and critically analyzing what is read.Attention challenges in reading
Studies show that children with ADHD may find it harder to focus while reading, which can affect their ability to understand and remember information from long texts. Similar findings come from research by Pnina Stern and Lilach Shalev, who emphasize the role of sustained attention in reading comprehension among teenagers.Interest boosts attention during reading
A study by Sabine Krawietz and her team found that older adults, who often have less effective working memory, experienced less mind wandering than younger adults when reading War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. This difference disappeared when the participants’ interest in the text was considered, suggesting that interest strongly influences attention during reading.Reading medium affects comprehension
Research comparing reading on paper and on screens suggests that paper may be better for understanding documentary texts. This could be due to the physical features of paper, such as spatial layout and tactile cues, which help readers organize and locate information more effectively.Sustaining deep reading requires effort
To maintain deep reading abilities, it is important to support attention and create environments where long reading is valued. Providing strong reasons for engaging in extended reading can help individuals continue to build meaning from texts.
