Public Health Expert Advocates for Reading Program to Combat Declining Literacy
A public health expert has highlighted the decline in reading habits, comparing the situation to a public health crisis. The expert, who is also a doctor, discussed the impact of smartphones on reading habits, likening their addictive nature to that of cigarettes. The conversation centered around the need for a structured program, similar to a 'couch to 5k' for reading, to help individuals regain their reading habits. The expert noted that literacy rates have stagnated or declined in developed countries, as reported by the OECD in 2024. This decline in reading is seen as a threat to intellectual health, with potential societal impacts such as reduced ability to engage with complex arguments and increased susceptibility to simplistic political rhetoric. 
