The Decline of Reading Comprehension

In primary school, I learned reading comprehension. Initially, I found it annoying and time-consuming. I didn’t see the point of reading unfamiliar, uninteresting books. Over time, though, I realized how valuable this skill is.

As a lifelong learner, I now encounter new information from various fields. I read medical journals during the pandemic, studied Supreme Court rulings, and helped clients with complex tax issues. Lately, I’ve been reading about artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Today, I read things that didn’t exist when I was in primary school. Although I am not truly interested in tax regulations or epidemiology, understanding them has helped me make sense of the world around me and my family.

Comprehending written work helps us understand information in other formats like podcasts, videos, and conversations. However, I’m worried that people’s ability to grasp new ideas is declining in today’s society.

Online debates often involve people yelling at each other, which achieves nothing. Romantic relationships seem to have less intellectual and emotional understanding between partners. Comprehending someone’s point of view before responding is essential but seems less common nowadays.

To understand others, we need to take the time to listen. I prefer long YouTube videos and podcasts over short TikTok videos and memes because they allow for deeper understanding. For important topics, in-person conversations and phone calls are better than text messages.

Being interesting means being interested in others and their ideas, which requires comprehension.

To be influential, we must be open to being influenced by others, which also requires comprehension. To improve comprehension skills in personal and professional relationships, paraphrase what you think you heard from the other person and ask them if you understood them correctly. Do this before you respond to the substance of their point.

It goes like this:

“It sounds like you’re saying ______________. Did I understand you correctly? If not, what did I misunderstand?”

This technique is helpful with bosses, clients, colleagues, spouses, friends, and children.

Being effective with others involves understanding what they’re saying and making sure they feel understood. By doing these two things, you can improve the quality of your relationships and your life.

Let me know your thoughts on this by commenting below