How ‘deep reading’ can cure your brain rot

Everyone has something to say about the state of reading in 2026: Reading comprehension scores in the U.S. have continued to decline. Many college students cannot make it through an entire book. The majority of Americans reported reading five or fewer books the previous year, according to a 2025 Pew Research survey. Yet, at the same time, a growing number of Gen Zers are identifying as readers. “Welcome to hot literature fall,” Yahoo declared last week. People are attending reading parties in...