In the 1970s about 60% of gr. 12 U.S. students read a book, magazine, or newspaper every day.
In 2016 only 16% reported doing so.
1 in 3 U.S. seniors didn’t read a book for pleasure in 2016. While at the same time, those gr. 12ers visited Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram every day.
In 2016 12th graders spent 6 hrs./day on digital media, 10th graders spent 5 hrs., and 8th graders spent 4 hrs./day.
High-schooler screen-time has tripled since the 1970s.
So much for old-fashioned reading and reading skills, book literacy and critical or any in-depth thinking. Kids are getting way dumber than ever. So much for understanding even simple ideas, concepts, and logical arguments.
Stay tuned for mass dumbness, more social alienation, and widespread physical and mental health issues.