Comments by "Abody" (@abody499) on "Why everyone stopped reading." video.

  1. I think ur getting to the core issue at the end, but I don't think ability is much of a problem. Like it's not that we can't stay focused or can't read long form, but it's more of a case of different forms of motivation impacting what we do. Indeed, "what took you so long" in respect of getting rid of smartphones is a key point. There are both extrinsic factors such as the standardised testing requirements, or intrinsic factors such as easier access to more passive but highly entertaining attention grabbers. That's not to say, however, that the skills in close reading and analysing themes, for example, aren't in shorter supply. But this can be changed; it certainly doesn't need to be a fixed situation, and in part it would take a different aim in education, with more emphasis on deep engagement with texts and focus on meaning making, where the learner is encouraged to develop their own ideas instead of finding predetermined answers. This, of course, requires more resources for teachers to grade such works, although perhaps AI could be useful there.
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  2. it's not so much that there is some physical change as it is more of a motivational change. I haven't looked it up, but I'd guess there's plenty work on this in the literature.
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  3.  @brokenrecord3523  no. motivation is complex, and i'm referring to extrinsic and intrinsic factors, but I'm leaning towards that being understood already, from reading ur response above. my point is that the effects of SM (one factor among many) are more motivational, rather than physically "messing with kids' brains". I would argue getting rid of it doesn't magically lead to better cognition, but in less motivation to choose more instantly gratifying passive entertainment.
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