Jan 22, 2026 12:30:00

How can we develop 'deep reading' that cultivates critical thinking skills and increases resistance to misinformation?

In today's world, where social media and video sites are overflowing with information about politics and economics, the ability to spot unfounded misinformation and to take a critical view of problematic discourse is important.

JT Torres , director of the Hart Center for Teaching and Learning at Washington and Lee University , and others explained the benefits of ' deep reading ,' which cultivates critical thinking skills and increases resistance to misinformation, and how to acquire it.

Deep reading can boost your critical thinking and help you resist misinformation – here's how to build the skill
https://theconversation.com/deep-reading-can-boost-your-critical-thinking-and-help-you-resist-misinformation-heres-how-to-build-the-skill-268082

With the average Americanchecking their smartphone more than 140 times a day and spending an average of more than four and a half hours on it, and tech companies and influencers vying for their attention, critical thinking and reading comprehension skills are more important than ever, as untrue but eye-catching misinformation is more likely to gain traction.

However, in the United States, children's reading comprehension skills are declining , many parents find it troublesome to read to their children, and even college students at prestigious universities like Columbia University have trouble reading a book from start to finish .

Social media platforms, by contrast, offer endless scrolling and easy reposting and sharing of content, and are designed to encourage passive engagement to relieve boredom and stress . For many people, minding their own business is far easier than reading a book.

Thomas and his colleagues, cognitive scientists and reading comprehension experts who study how people process information through reading, believe that 'deep reading' could be an effective way to counter misinformation and reduce stress and loneliness .

People use smartphones and social media for a variety of reasons, including battling boredom, seeking attention, building connections, and sharing news. The ability to access infinite information with the tap of a finger can lead to information overload, potentially impairing

attention and decision-making abilities, Thomas and his colleagues point out.

To keep users engaged, social media algorithms serve them content similar to what they liked in the past, which can repeatedly expose users to information that aligns with certain beliefs and reinforce them.

Deep reading, on the other hand, is the deliberate process of engaging with information in a critical, analytical, and empathetic way—not simply accepting the information as it flows by, but making inferences, making connections, considering alternative perspectives, and questioning possible interpretations.

According to Thomas et al., 'Deep reading involves intentionally choosing to read at different times and speeds, slowing down as needed to understand difficult sections, savoring impressive prose, critically evaluating information, and reflecting on the meaning of the text. It involves engaging in a dialogue with the text rather than simply gleaning information.'

Knowing how to read deeply can also help you learn how to deal with the constant flow of information on social media and other platforms. By consciously taking a few extra seconds to think about the information that comes your way, rather than immediately judging it, you can avoid being misled by misinformation and illusions. Thomas and his colleagues conclude, 'This means that it is beneficial to intentionally slow down even a little.'

Deep reading requires willpower and focus, and the process can be unpleasant and may evoke negative emotions like frustration and confusion. Nevertheless, Thomas and his colleagues argue that it's worth the effort.

People turn to social media to combat boredom and loneliness, but smartphone and social media use is actually associated with increased boredom and loneliness . Researchers also found that people who doom-scroll (constantly viewing negative information) experience increased levels of existential anxiety and misanthropy .

While deep reading can be exhausting, the focus and effort it requires can foster a sense of purpose and social connection, and achieving personal goals can be motivating. With social connection in mind, social media can also be used as a tool to help promote deep reading. For example, BookTok, the movement of sharing book recommendations on TikTok, continues to thrive.

'Book introduction videos' posted on TikTok are creating new bestsellers - GIGAZINE

One way to develop deep reading is to start with short works such as poetry, short stories, and essays, and gradually progress to longer texts. You can also set a goal of reading a full-length novel or non-fiction book with a friend or family member, or have fun with a reading buddy by reading one chapter a day and discussing your impressions.

Deep reading can lead to new perspectives and ideas that can be applied to face-to-face conversations, social media feeds, etc. 'Increasing awareness of deep reading doesn't mean completely avoiding doomscrolling at the end of a long day, but it does mean being more aware of the need to linger on one text more often and be exposed to different perspectives,' Thomas and his colleagues said.