The Death of Reading and the Dawn of the Post-Literate Society
Interview with James Marriott about his book The New Dark Ages: The Death of Reading and the Dawn of the Post-Literate Society. Explores the societal impact of declining literacy in an increasingly digital world. Argues that the rise of smartphones and short-form visual media is degrading critical thinking, reading comprehension, and even democratic discourse. Drawing parallels with historical shifts in communication, asserts that writing and reading are fundamental to complex thought, scientific advancement, and the analytical habits essential for a healthy democracy. Critiques the current media landscape – where algorithms prioritise engagement over quality – suggesting that this post-literate shift is not merely distracting, but also actively contributing to societal unhappiness and threatening the foundations of informed governance.
See also the EconTalk episode about his Substack essay How to Read and Why.