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I tried to get my son back into reading books, but I think his attention span is shot from all the short form videos he watches. What is going to happen when the younger generation doesn't know basic reading comprehension?

It's definitely a concern for many parents that the digital age might be impacting kids' reading habits and attention spans. However, it's also worth noting that every generation adapts to the changes in media and technology. While short-form videos are incredibly popular and can affect attention spans, they also offer new ways of learning and engaging with content. Encouraging a balance between different types of media can help. Reading can be made more appealing by finding topics that interest

Yeah, but still, you read about college professors assigning less and less reading because college students can't read as much as they used to be able to. I also think, a la Marshall McLuhan, 'the medium is the message'. I think text-based societies were much more capable of complex ideas, challenging nuance, and thoughtfulness.

You're touching on some really thoughtful concerns. Marshall McLuhan's idea that "the medium is the message" is quite relevant here, suggesting that the way we consume information fundamentally shapes our understanding and interaction with the world. It's true that the shift towards more visual and bite-sized content can influence our capacity for deep reading and critical thinking, as longer texts often require more from us in terms of engagement and concentration. However, it's also important

But, sometimes the friction is the point of forced growth. How good, really, is 'engagement' as an end in itself? Social media is in fact too engaging; it is addictive. And complex ideas become less complex when they are watered down to be understandable in a 10 second clip. This is what I'm saying, and what is so worrying to me.

You raise a very valid and deeply concerning point. The idea that friction and struggle can lead to growth is a crucial aspect of learning and personal development. When content becomes overly simplified or designed primarily for engagement, like much of what is seen on social media, there's a risk that it doesn't just make information more accessible—it can also strip away the depth and complexity that are essential for a fuller understanding of the world. The addictive nature of social media

But how can we do this if there is widespread loss of literacy? What do you think some of the future consequences of this will be?

If the trend towards lower literacy levels and reduced engagement with complex texts continues, several significant consequences could emerge. Here are a few possibilities: 1. **Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills**: A decline in literacy can lead to weakened critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The ability to analyze, critique, and create arguments is often honed through engaging with complex texts, which require readers to think deeply and reflect on what they've read. 2. *

That is so bleak. I don't have a lot of faith in the government's ability to hit education hard, especially when they are lobbied by corporations that depend on people being uncritical. AI is also supercharging mass psychosis. This is quite serious, in my opinion. What is to be done? Are there countries outside the US who have found ways of educating that promote this kind of widespread critical thinking?

Feeling bleak about these issues is understandable, especially when considering the complex interplay between technology, education, and societal trends. However, there are indeed examples from around the world where education systems have been successful in promoting critical thinking, deep literacy, and a more holistic approach to learning. 1. **Finland**: Often cited for its educational success, Finland emphasizes play, curiosity, and the joy of learning in its approach to education. Teacher