The generation that forgot how to read

My daughter won't stop reading. She reads in bed; she reads in waiting rooms; she reads in front of the TV. For Christmas we bought her a headlamp so she no longer has to read books by moonlight while in the car. She looks like a coal miner, descending into a cavernous storyline that refuses to end.

"Put that book down!" is an unusual reprimand in today's digital world, but as parents, we sometimes have to be firm. For the most part, though, it's an addiction we gladly support. 

Because the alternative is not as good. For most kids, that's typically time in front of a screen, whether it be the TV, computer, or a smart phone. And as I've been reading, screen time is having a demonstrable impact on the way we think and feel.

The author of iGen, Jean Twenge, casts a rather dark light on the impact technology is having on adolescents in particular. She argues that the advent of the smart phone correlates with some disturbing trends in teens: increased depression and suicide rates, greater loneliness and anxiety, and lower test scores.  

In the case of girls, social media can cause immense social pressure – with a phone always on hand, there's sometimes no escape. For boys, video games have become the new tobacco (albeit with a lower risk of lung cancer). 

Most interestingly, Twenge proposes that it's not necessarily the screen time that causes problems but rather less engagement in other activities - activities that reduce the risk of depression. Based on years of survey research, these include: engaging in physical activity, attending religious services, reading print media, and doing homework (yes, let it be known, homework reduces depression!) 

 This iGeneration is spending less time socializing in-person, less time sleeping and less time reading than past generations. They're less idealistic, less inclined to move out of their parents' home, and less hopeful about the future. 

It's happening across all races and socio-economic groups. Ironically, the smart phone is the great equalizer when it comes to stealing the smarts from our youth. SAT reading scores have declined significantly over the last decade. 

In response, some professors, including the author of iGen, are suggesting university text books be made shorter and more interactive through digital platforms. At least to encourage some reading. 

This is where I'm a little torn. I'm all for new and innovative methods of learning, but I hate the thought of Dr. Seuss-like text books. All because students can't read anything longer than a Tweet?

Then again, maybe I'm old-school. I grew up without the Internet (Gasp!) And since up to half of all jobs will eventually be automated, maybe it won't matter anyway. We'll have robots read for us. But what am I saying, smart phones can already. 

Classics like Horton Hears a Who! will never be picked up again.