College professors are raising alarms about students’ inability to read and understand long texts. Many report that students can’t finish assigned articles or books. One literature teacher said none of his students completed a 20-page reading he assigned. They lost track of the argument and struggled to follow the text.

This problem is not new, but it has grown worse. Tests show reading scores for high school seniors are at their lowest since 1992. Nearly a third of 12th graders score so low in reading they can’t grasp basic concepts from a text. Even younger students struggle. About 70 percent of fourth graders can’t read at a proficient level.

The causes are many. Smartphones and constant digital distractions reduce students’ ability to focus. Studies find just having a phone nearby lowers brain power during cognitive tasks. This limits the brain’s ability to sustain attention and process complex information.

Artificial intelligence is also playing a role. Many students rely on AI tools to summarize or generate essays instead of reading or thinking deeply. Research on AI use shows those who depend on it for writing have lower brain activity linked to creativity. They also can’t remember the content they produced using AI.

How Reading Habits Have Changed

Students today grew up with social media, videos, and quick content. They’re used to scanning information rather than reading deeply. This habit makes it hard to engage with long or complex texts. Professors say students often skip chapters or only skim summaries. They miss the details and analysis needed to think critically.

One professor observed that many students can’t even read a single sentence properly. It’s not just about understanding ideas. It’s about decoding words and following sentences. This has led some teachers to change how they teach. Some read passages aloud or break long texts into smaller parts. But this means students don’t get to practice the full skill of sustained reading.

The Impact on Learning and Beyond

Reading deeply helps build critical thinking, memory, and empathy. It lets students explore ideas and see the world from different perspectives. When students avoid long texts, they miss out on these benefits. Without practice, their brains lose the ability to focus for long periods.

This decline threatens more than grades. Employers expect graduates to analyze reports, solve problems, and communicate clearly. These skills depend on strong reading and comprehension. If students skip reading or rely on AI to do their work, they risk entering the workforce unprepared.

Universities face a challenge. They must keep academic standards while adapting to students’ changing habits. Some schools offer guided reading sessions or workshops to help students build stamina. Others worry lowering expectations will weaken literacy further. The balance is tricky but crucial.

Reading is not just about school. It shapes how people think, feel, and connect with others. Losing the habit of reading together may increase loneliness and social divides. Encouraging reading as a pleasure, not just a task, could help reverse this trend.

The path forward requires recognizing the role technology plays. AI and digital media can support learning but shouldn’t replace deep engagement with texts. Students need tools and teaching that build focus, critical thinking, and memory. Otherwise, the decline in reading skills will continue, with serious consequences for education and society.