Maryanne Wolf, neuroscientist: "Because of the screen, we have learned another way of reading that short-circuits the brain"

Maryanne Wolf, a neuroscientist, discusses the impact of digital reading on cognitive processes, comparing it to the historical shift from oral to written culture in ancient Greece. She argues that reading is not a natural ability but a learned skill that requires significant brain effort. Wolf highlights the potential loss of deep reading skills due to screen use, which encourages superficial reading habits. She emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional literacy while adapting to new technologies, warning that failing to critically evaluate information could lead to cultural decline. Wolf's insights reflect a broader concern about how modern reading practices affect comprehension and cognitive development.