Did Smartphones Really Kill Reading? A Historical Perspective

A recent article on LitHub challenges the common assumption that smartphones are responsible for the decline in reading. The piece argues that while it is tempting to blame smartphones and propose bans, historical evidence suggests reading was already declining before the advent of smartphones. The article emphasizes that a historical perspective is necessary to understand the current state of reading, implying that the issue is more complex than simply pointing to digital devices. The author suggests that solutions based solely on banning smartphones would be insufficient. The piece is part of a broader discussion on the impact of technology on cultural habits, particularly reading. The article was published on LitHub, a platform known for literary content and commentary.