And now our reading brain is going through another change, this time in response to technology, reading on screens whether it be computers, tablets or phones. Marianne Wolf, a reading researcher, has written about this change and it's potential danger. She points out that when we read on a screen we tend to skim read and with less attention. We all do it. Wolf admits to doing it herself. When we skim-read we tend to look for keywords, we tend to confirm what we already think rather than critically entertaining new ideas and concepts.
When we read printed text we can of course skim as well, but when we find what we are looking for, or are reading fiction, then we go into a slow and deep read. We take time to ponder, reread, question the author, reflect on our experiences, what we already knew, and possibly revise it.
In our deep-slow reading of fiction there is another aspect that is invaluable and may be at risk. Fiction can transport us into all kinds situations, cultures, personalities - present, past and future. Studies show a link between reading fiction and the development of empathy.
Wolf rightly points out that the loss of critical thinking and empathy is a threat to democracy! So go for a deep dive, practice that slow read. Make time for it, even if we skim on screens.
