The Impact of AI on Reading and Literacy: A Double-Edged Sword

In recent years, the intersection of technology and literacy has taken center stage, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a powerful force that is reshaping how we read, write, and think. A perfect storm is brewing as students and adults are spending less time with books than ever before, an issue that has been exacerbated by the rapid advancements in AI technologies. As a linguist who studies these changes, I am increasingly concerned about the implications of AI on reading habits and the overall value placed on literature as a human endeavor.

AI tools have been making headlines for their impressive writing capabilities. However, their ability to digest and analyze vast datasets also raises troubling questions about the future of reading. Today, students can easily circumvent traditional reading by relying on AI-generated summaries and analyses. For instance, rather than engaging deeply with Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" or J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye," many students now opt for streamlined AI summaries that promise to suffice for class discussions and comparisons.

The longstanding practice of summarizing and simplifying literature, such as the use of CliffsNotes or online services like Blinkist, has now escalated to unprecedented levels with AI technologies like BooksAI and BookAI.chat. These innovations allow readers to access book-like information without ever engaging with the work itself. While the convenience is enticing, the reliance on AI raises concerns about losing the enriching personal experience that comes from reading.

Before the rise of generative AI, the decline in reading habits was already evident. Reports from the National Assessment of Educational Progress revealed a worrying trend: from 1984 to 2022, the percentage of fourth graders who read for fun every day fell from 53% to only 39%. Eighth graders showed an even steeper decline, dropping from 35% in 1984 to a mere 14% in 2023. This trend troubles educators, who note that today’s college students often avoid extensive reading, opting instead to 'sample' content to meet academic requirements.

The shift in reading preferences among young people is not isolated to the U.S. Studies in the U.K. suggest similar declines, with only one in three children aged 8 to 18 enjoying reading in their free time, indicating a drop of nearly 9 percentage points from the previous year. This trend is further echoed by surveys across 79 countries that highlighted a marked increase in students who only read when mandated by school.

As the landscape of reading evolves, many educators are noting that students' reliance on AI for reading tasks significantly diminishes their reading skills and analytical capabilities. According to research from literacy expert Anne Mangen, educators are increasingly reducing reading assignments in classes due to a growing reluctance amongst students to engage with traditional texts, a sentiment echoed by cultural commentators.

Adult reading habits are also facing decline. Research shows that just 54% of Americans read at least one book in 2023, a stark contrast to the reading culture of previous decades. This decline is reflected similarly across various countries, including South Korea and the U.K., where significant portions of the population now identify as 'lapsed readers'—those who once read regularly but have stopped due to a combination of disinterest and time spent on social media.

The implications of these trends are profound, as they underscore not only a decline in literacy but also a potential deterioration in cognitive abilities. Recent studies suggest that relying heavily on AI for reading leads to cognitive offloading, where individuals become less engaged in their own mental processes. This detachment can hinder critical thinking skills and the ability to formulate personal interpretations—skills that are refined through the deep engagement of reading.

Moreover, the emotional and aesthetic benefits of reading are at risk of being lost in the shuffle. The joy of connecting with characters, savoring beautiful prose, and being moved by a story is something that cannot be replicated by machine-generated summaries. Reading nurtures empathy, creativity, and personal growth, elements essential for a nuanced understanding of the human experience.

In conclusion, while generative AI offers remarkable advantages in terms of efficiency and access to information, it poses significant risks to our reading culture as well as cognitive and emotional development. As we continue to navigate this technological evolution, it is imperative that we find a balance between leveraging AI usefully and preserving the fundamental aspects of literacy that have enriched human life for centuries. Advocacy for sustained reading practices in education and at home becomes critical to ensure that the engagement with literature remains a cherished part of our existence.

A visual representation of AI technologies shaping reading habits.

Moving forward, educators and parents must encourage deeper reading habits and critical engagement with texts. Integrating literacy as a foundational requirement in classrooms alongside digital innovation can ensure that future generations cultivate a profound connection to books. The ability to read critically, analyze substantial literature, and enjoy the art of storytelling must remain vital in an increasingly AI-driven world.