THE DECLINE OF READING HABITS: HOW DIGITAL DISTRACTIONS ARE CHANGING EDUCATION
Abstract
The rapid integration of digital technology into education and daily life has profoundly reshaped reading habits, cognitive engagement, and learning outcomes. While digital platforms offer unprecedented access to information, inclusivity, and interactive learning tools, they also introduce significant challenges, including fragmented attention spans, reduced deep reading comprehension, and pervasive distractions from devices like smartphones and social media. This article examines the dual-edged impact of digitalization on education, drawing on recent research to highlight how constant connectivity and "information overload" hinder critical thinking and material retention. It explores the paradox of technology in classrooms enhancing engagement while fostering multitasking and academic underperformance and evaluates strategies to mitigate these issues, such as digital responsibility training, structured device policies, and active learning methodologies. Furthermore, the decline in sustained reading practices, exacerbated by the prevalence of short-form content, underscores the need to balance digital literacy with traditional reading skills. By advocating for mindful technology integration, educational systems can preserve the cognitive benefits of deep reading while harnessing digital tools to empower learners. The article concludes with actionable solutions, including digital detoxes, redesigned curricula, and collaborative pedagogical approaches, to cultivate focused, resilient learners in an increasingly distracted world.
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