As digital content becomes more pervasive, classic children’s literature like Narnia and Lord of the Rings faces the risk of being overshadowed by the smartphone’s allure. This shift raises questions about the future of reading habits and spiritual growth in younger generations.
The internet’s rapid evolution and the allure of social media have transformed societal norms, particularly affecting those who have never known a world without such technology. This transformation prompts speculation about the future of reading as a form of both education and entertainment.
Ted Gioia, in a viral post, suggests that the number of children engaging in reading for leisure is plummeting. His thesis highlights how addictive social media content detracts from traditional activities such as reading, attending movies, and sports.
Gioia describes the current era as controlled by a ‘dopamine cartel,’ where genuine experiences are replaced by quick and addictive digital content. This trend sees a decline in activities that traditionally foster personal development.
According to Pew Research data, the number of U.S. children who read for pleasure has significantly decreased since the 1980s. Anecdotal evidence also suggests that young individuals prefer digital entertainment over traditional reading.
Although Gioia’s research does not explicitly address spirituality, the implications for religious engagement are significant. If spiritual practices like prayer and Bible reading are supplanted by digital influencers, the consequences for faith may be profound.
Phone-free childhoods
Amid growing concerns about the adverse effects of smartphones on young people’s mental health, Jonathan Haidt advocates for a smartphone-free youth. His book, “The Anxious Generation,” explores the transformative impact of smartphones on childhood development, often leading to a decline in beneficial real-world activities.
While Haidt does not directly link these changes to religious practices, the implications for spiritual relationships and faith development among young people are evident.
Smartphones and literacy
Christian parents express concern that even monitored smartphone use may adversely affect literacy. Although this phenomenon is relatively new, existing research indicates that reading comprehension is better on paper than on screens. Studies such as those indicate a decline in comprehension when reading digitally.
The National Literacy Trust found in 2013 that children who read exclusively on screens are less likely to enjoy reading and develop strong reading skills. Furthermore, research suggests that screen time negatively impacts language development in toddlers, with similar trends seen in older children.
The potential decline in literacy raises questions about how this might affect young people’s engagement with Christian texts, such as the Bible and other faith-inspiring literature.
Reading and Christian faith
Shifting from books to digital content might influence young people’s understanding of Christian faith. Historically, literature like “Lord of the Rings” and the Narnia series subtly introduced Christian values. The rise of digital content, however, could skew religious comprehension if it prioritizes attention-grabbing over spiritual edification.
Scholar Jeffrey S Siker, in his book ‘Liquid Scripture: The Bible in a Digital World,’ writes, “I have begun to wonder about the significance of the shifting tide away from print Bibles and towards digital Bibles on screens (smartphones, tablets, laptops).” He questions whether this change is beneficial or if it introduces problems that are not yet fully understood.
Turning to traditional ways
Several movements are proactively countering these shifts by promoting traditional education methods. The revival of classical education emphasizes classic literature to inspire and educate young people, fostering a faith-based worldview.
In the UK, parents are taking a stand by limiting their children’s access to smartphones. This movement towards a ‘phone-free childhood’ seeks to shield young people from digital distractions.
Ultimately, individuals might mitigate these effects by increasing awareness of smartphone dangers and reducing personal screen time.
Heather Tomlinson is a freelance Christian writer. Find more of her work at heathertomlinson.substack.com or via X (twitter) @heathertomli
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
