Deep reading offers a potential remedy for digital fatigue

A recent article published in Fast Company on Nov. 5, 2026, explores the impact of digital consumption on cognitive health, suggesting that the practice of deep reading may serve as an effective countermeasure to mental exhaustion. The report highlights a growing concern over the decline in reading comprehension and the prevalence of brain rot, a term used to describe the state of mental fatigue linked to constant digital interaction.

Data from a 2025 Pew Research survey indicates that the majority of Americans read five or fewer books annually, while 63% of adults between the ages of 18 and 29 report being online almost constantly. Research also suggests that the shift toward digital reading has negatively affected comprehension in children, while brain rot content has been linked to cognitive overload and emotional desensitization.

JT Torres, a professor of educational psychology at Washington and Lee University, suggests that individuals should approach reading as a form of mental exercise. According to Torres, the focus should shift from the quantity of books completed to the amount of time dedicated to the activity. He notes that while deep reading was more common in eras dominated by printed books, it remains a skill that can be developed using any text.

Torres further emphasizes the social benefits of the practice, pointing to a strong correlation between reading fiction and increased empathy toward others. The article concludes by recommending that readers set goals based on time spent engaged with a text to help mitigate the effects of digital overstimulation.