Deep reading and cognitive development in the digital age – challenges and educational strategies

Удовиченко, Лариса Миколаївна (2025) Deep reading and cognitive development in the digital age – challenges and educational strategies The Modern Higher Education Review (10). pp. 249-269. ISSN 2617-5266

Text L_Udovychenko_MHER_10_FSM.pdf - Published Version Download (770kB)

Abstract

This article examines the cognitive, neuropsychological, and pedagogical significance of deep reading in the context of the digital transformation of contemporary culture. Drawing on interdisciplinary research in neuroscience, cognitive psychology, media studies, and reading pedagogy, the study conceptualizes reading as a complex cognitive activity that integrates visual, linguistic, semantic, and affective processes. Such integration strengthens executive functions, sustained attention, metacognitive monitoring, analytical reasoning, and socio-emotional competencies. A theoretical analysis of recent empirical findings reveals substantial evidence that digital environments—characterized by fragmentation, accelerated media formats, and habitual multitasking—undermine the cognitive conditions necessary for deep reading. International assessments such as PIRLS and PISA likewise indicate a decline in reading stamina, comprehension depth, and higher-order interpretive skills among school-age learners. These tendencies are exacerbated by the persistence of outdated instructional models that emphasize factual reproduction rather than immersive engagement with literary texts. The study argues that restoring deep reading requires a pedagogical reorientation toward slow, reflective, and emotionally engaged interaction with texts, supported by teachers who understand the cognitive mechanisms of reading and the challenges of digital culture. Policy-level measures, including curriculum redesign and strengthened reading promotion initiatives, are also essential. Overall, the article demonstrates that deep reading remains a vital cognitive and cultural practice capable of fostering intellectual resilience, ethical sensitivity, and reflective thinking in the digital age.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	attention; cognitive development; deep reading; digital culture; educational strategies; empathy; literary education; media environment; neuroscience; reading competence
Subjects:	Статті у базах даних > Index Copernicus Статті у періодичних виданнях > Фахові (входять до переліку фахових, затверджений МОН) Статті у періодичних виданнях > Наукові рецензовані журнали (входять до інших баз, крім перерахованих та Google Academy, мають ISSN, DOI, індекс цитування)
Divisions:	Факультет східних мов > Кафедра східної культури і літератури
Depositing User:	професор Лариса Миколаївна Удовиченко
Date Deposited:	26 Dec 2025 13:11
Last Modified:	26 Dec 2025 13:11
URI:	https://elibrary.kubg.edu.ua/id/eprint/55656

Actions (login required)

View Item