Home | Newsletters & Shorts | DW Newsletter # 193 – The decline of literacy in the digital age

DW Newsletter # 193 – The decline of literacy in the digital age

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Dear readers,

In the late 1980s, cultural critic Neil Postman warned of society sliding into ‘stupidity’ not by book burnings but by distraction. His prophecy feels unnervingly relevant today as evidence mounts of a global literacy decline. Recent findings from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) highlight a troubling trend: literacy skills stagnate or decline among 160,000 adults surveyed across 31 countries, even among university graduates. In the US, 30% of adults read at the level of a 10-year-old, a statistic that underpins growing concerns about a ‘post-literate’ world.

Technological change plays a pivotal role. Social media and digital platforms increasingly encourage the consumption of fragmented, simplified content over in-depth, analytical reading. According to Andreas Schleicher of the OECD, these habits hinder critical literacy skills, such as distinguishing fact from opinion and navigating complex ideas. Instead, we gravitate toward echo chambers, where our existing views are affirmed rather than challenged, with significant implications for public debate and democratic discourse.

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Historical comparisons with oral cultures offer striking parallels. Writer Caleb Crain observed that oral societies prioritise clichés, stereotypes, and conflict as memorable tools for communication. As our digital habits mirror these traits, the depth and nuance of literate cultures risk erosion. This shift does not just impact individual capabilities—it shapes the fabric of our politics, media, and social cohesion.

Yet, decline is not inevitable. Finland’s robust education system demonstrates how societal norms and policies can sustain high literacy rates even in the digital age. Similarly, England’s targeted school reforms have significantly improved literacy among young people over the past decade. These examples suggest that interventions, from education policy to promoting diverse and critical reading habits, can counteract the pull of post-literacy.

The rise of AI offers both risks and opportunities. AI tools like ChatGPT can enhance workplace productivity, helping lower-skilled workers perform at higher levels. However, as economist David Autor points out, such tools can only amplify existing skills—they cannot replace foundational literacy. Without strong literacy skills, individuals risk becoming passive consumers of AI-generated content, dependent on machines rather than empowered by them.

The question now is whether society can recognise the urgency of this literacy crisis. Reversing the trend requires policy changes and a cultural reawakening of the value of reading, critical thinking, and diverse perspectives. In a world dominated by screens and soundbites, literacy is not just a skill but the cornerstone of democracy and human agency.

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Diplo and dig.watch wish you a prosperous and joyful 2025!

Marko and the Digital Watch team


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