University Students Facing Declining Reading Comprehension, Experts Link to AI and Mobile Use

University students are exhibiting a marked decline in their ability to read and comprehend lengthy texts, a trend that a university literature professor attributes, in part, to the increasing reliance on artificial intelligence and persistent smartphone usage. The observation comes as a growing body of evidence suggests a potential cognitive shift impacting academic performance.

Professor Tyler Jagt, a literature professor, noted a significant struggle among his rhetoric and writing students to complete a 20-page reading assignment, a task previously manageable for them. This year, none of his students finished the assigned material, with some admitting the text was too long and they “constantly lost the thread of the article.” Jagt’s experience is not an isolated incident, as anecdotal evidence from educators regarding students’ reading abilities has been a recurring theme. However, he believes the current situation is more serious, supported by recent educational assessments.

National Reading Declines Highlight Concerns

Data from the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in the United States revealed the lowest reading scores for twelfth-graders since the assessment began in 1992. A third of participants met only basic proficiency levels, indicating difficulty in extracting general conclusions from explicit textual information. Younger students are also showing concerning trends, with a study by the Annie E. Casey Foundation reporting that 70% of fourth-graders lack the ability to read fluently.

Similar issues are present internationally. In Spain, at least one-third of the population has a Level 1 reading comprehension, according to the OECD, meaning they can only understand very brief texts with minimal distracting information. Reports from Spain’s BBVA Foundation and Valencian Institute of Economic Research (Ivie) suggest that younger Spaniards, despite higher education levels than their parents, are progressing slower in basic competencies.

Technology’s Role in Cognitive Shifts

The rise of smartphones and, more recently, AI, are cited as significant contributors to this decline. The notion that technology can negatively impact intelligence has been prevalent for decades, but the advent of advanced AI has intensified these concerns. While direct evidence of technology causing cognitive damage remains elusive, significant changes in cognitive processes are observable. The unprecedented capabilities of current AI technologies present new challenges in understanding their long-term effects.

Research into “cognitive debt” and “cognitive surrender” offers insights. A MIT study titled “Your Brain on ChatGPT” found that participants using ChatGPT for essay writing performed worse cognitively. The research suggests that relying on AI as a complete substitute for mental effort may weaken neural connections. Similarly, a University of Pennsylvania study introduced the concept of cognitive surrender, where individuals delegate thinking to AI and accept its outputs too readily. An Oxford University study also indicated that performance can degrade when AI use is removed after a period of reliance.

However, the impact of AI is nuanced. Studies show that when AI is used as a supportive tool in the creative process, rather than a complete replacement for effort, performance levels can be comparable to those who do not use AI. This suggests that the method of AI integration is crucial. Ironically, a study previously suggesting a positive impact of AI chatbots on learning was recently retracted due to “discrepancies,” weakening a key argument for AI in education.

Smartphone Distraction and Information Consumption

Beyond AI, smartphones are also identified as a factor. A 2017 study indicated that the mere presence of a mobile phone can reduce available cognitive capacity, while a 2022 study linked reading on smartphones to prefrontal overload and decreased concentration. The issue is not solely the device but the nature of content consumption, particularly through social media platforms. The constant stream of short-form content, such as tweets, posts, reels, and TikToks, has trained users to consume information in bite-sized pieces, making extended reading tasks feel overwhelming.

In response, some educators are adapting their teaching methods. Professor Jagt, for example, is dividing longer assignments and assigning specific tasks to help students maintain focus and engagement with the material.

Key Facts

The implications of these trends are significant for the future of education and critical thinking. As AI continues to evolve and digital distractions remain pervasive, fostering strong reading comprehension skills will be essential for students to navigate complex information, engage in deep learning, and develop robust analytical abilities.

Source: Los estudiantes universitarios están perdiendo rápidamente una capacidad fundamental: leer – Xataka (https://www.xataka.com/magnet/estudiantes-universitarios-estan-perdiendo-rapidamente-capacidad-fundamental-leer)