Gen Z are arriving to college unable to even read a sentence

4 months ago

Gen Z students are arriving at college unable to complete assigned reading, leading professors to lower expectations.
Nearly half of Americans did not read a single book in 2025, with Gen Z reading fewer books than other generations.
Professors are adapting teaching methods, such as reading passages aloud and discussing texts line by line, to help students develop critical reading skills.
Students struggle with long passages and often rely on AI summaries instead of engaging with assigned texts.
Standardized testing has trained students to scan for information rather than deeply engage with complex texts.
Lack of confidence and stamina in reading is a major issue among college students, not hostility toward reading.
Professors are adjusting assignments to stimulate critical thinking and reduce anxiety around grades.
Reading remains a top habit among the ultra-wealthy, despite declining literacy rates in the general population.
Declining literacy affects empathy, community feeling, and societal polarization.

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