How often do you find yourself skimming over a text or a book instead of actually reading and processing what's written? Have you ever actually taken a minute to try and understand what the author said? And why they said it?
We are forgetting how to read.
But this isn't our faults. Social media has stripped us of our basic comprehension skills by addicting us to short-form content and, essentially, rotting our brains. What we need to reverse this, is media literacy.
What is media literacy? Media literacy is defined as the ability to critically analyse stories presented in the mass media and to determine their accuracy or credibility. What this means, simply, is that to have media literacy, is to possess the ability to actively read something, and ask yourself questions about what it is you're reading.
Whether it be a book, an article, an essay, or any piece of writing. The art of reading lies within the process of asking questions.
How do I develop media literacy? This is simple, really.
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Get notified of top trending articles like this one every week! (we won't spam you)1. Be Skeptical and Question Everything
Don't accept words at face value. Someone put time and effort into what you're reading, so don't just read and move on. Ask yourself: Why did the author write this?
What are they assuming? If you're reading something that gained some popularity or was trending on TikTok, ask yourself: Why did it get so popular? Why did people like this?
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2. Slow Down
We've conformed to short-media content so much that actually reading something seems like a never-ending task, so we try to end as quickly as we can. But you have to resist the urge to skim. Contrary to what some people may say, reading isn't a race. Take your time to process and reflect on the meaning behind those words.
I've seen a lot of videos and comments surfacing on social media about speed when it comes to reading, with people turning reading books into a competition on who can read the fastest. This is not helping anyone. Trust me, I have fallen into this trap, and all it led to was a newfound hatred for reading and a reading slump that took me months to get out of!
3. Cross-Check Sources
Unfortunately, we have a bad habit of blindly listening to anything someone says because it sounds smart or because we aren't that knowledgeable around a topic. Instead of focusing on one aspect of an argument or an idea, compare multiple perspectives. For any articles or news, verify claims. Understanding different viewpoints sharpens our critical thinking.
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4. Read Widely
Articles, books, magazines, essays, literally any piece of writing can be of use to you. Don't confine yourself to one genre, one news outlet, or one perspective. The wider you read, the more of the world you explore, and the sharper your lens becomes.
5. Practice Discussion!
Talk about books! Talk about what you've been reading. Debating, explaining, questioning: these cements understanding and reveals gaps in comprehension.
Join a book club or even go on Reddit to discuss your latest read. This is also another example of how you can explore other perspectives.
P.S. you're bound to find someone who disagrees with you. That's the art of reading. Find someone who disagrees, ask them why, and listen.
We're all entitled to our own opinions and interpretations. I always find myself in kahoots with someone when analysing a text, and I love it!
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6. Embrace the Complexity
Some texts are difficult, and that's not a flaw in you or the writing. In fact, the challenge is precisely where growth happens. Media literacy is not about skimming for easy answers or comforting truths; it’s about wrestling with nuance, recognising ambiguity, and sitting with ideas that resist quick judgment.
I remember reading this one classic, Emma by Jane Austen, and it took me forever to finish it! I would remain on the same chapter for weeks because it was so difficult to unpack and understand, but like all things in life, you can't just give up when things become tough. Keep going, you will never regret trying.
When a text challenges your assumptions or presents conflicting perspectives, lean into it. Ask why certain arguments are compelling, where they might falter, and how different interpretations coexist. True comprehension comes not from certainty, but from truly engaging with the tension between ideas.
Every time you're about to give up reading something, or about to silently accept what you've been told, remind yourself, that every struggle heightens your ability to really understand people, ideas, theories, and the world.
Takeaways
Pick up a book. Read another article. Explore the latest news.
Don't let the beauty and power of reading be stripped from you.
