The decline of reading among Gen Z students is a pressing issue that has far-reaching implications for their academic success and future careers. While it's true that many students struggle with reading, the root cause lies in a complex interplay of factors. The pressure to perform in standardized testing has led to a scanning approach to reading, where students prioritize speed over comprehension. This, coupled with the widespread use of AI summaries, has contributed to a generation of students who are unable to engage with complex texts and develop critical thinking skills. The consequences of this decline in literacy are profound, impacting not only academic performance but also social and emotional well-being. As a society, we must address this issue by promoting reading as a pleasure and a habit, rather than a means to an end. This can be achieved through a variety of means, including encouraging students to read for pleasure, providing support for struggling readers, and integrating reading into the curriculum in a more meaningful way. By doing so, we can help to ensure that the next generation of graduates is not only well-educated but also empathetic, socially aware, and capable of critical thinking.
