Reading and writing are an essential part of humanity, so it’s no surprise they adapt to the world around us. The internet has made everything faster, simpler, and more direct. The shift has made me self-reflect on the way I approach reading and writing in today’s digital world. 

The Importance of Simplicity in Writing

William Zinsser, in On Writing Well, says that “[c]lutter is the disease of American writing.” He advocates for simplicity in writing, stripping it of unnecessary words or overly complex sentences. This isn’t a simple task; it requires focused effort from the writer. Zinsser emphasizes that writers need to reread and rewrite their work to ensure it’s concise and readable. This practice benefits both offline and online, improving our communication in a changing world.

The Curse of Knowledge

Steven Pinker, in The Source of Bad Writing, elaborates on this idea by explaining why writers often fail to be clear: the ‘Curse of Knowledge.’ This is the difficulty of imagining what it’s like for someone else not to know what you know. Pinker says writers often skip explaining essential details, assuming the reader is already familiar with the topic. He advises writers to seek feedback from others similar to the intended audience, helping them avoid this common mistake.

The Impact of Digital Media on Reading

This theme of simplicity is especially important in digital environments. Nicholas Carr, in Is Google Making Us Stupid?, argues that the Internet has fundamentally changed how we read. We’re becoming accustomed to quickly scanning pages and bouncing from one link to another, rather than engaging in deep reading. Carr points out that the Internet shapes how we expect to receive information: conveniently and immediately. This shift has weakened our ability to concentrate, interpret text, and make connections while reading.

Developing Better Online Reading Skills

In Being a Better Online Reader, Maria Konnikova offers a different perspective. Although digital media presents challenges, we can develop a new set of skills to read online. The problem is not the content or the medium itself, but how we approach it. With the right strategies, we can learn to read deeply online, just as we do with print media. As she suggests, the key is to have self-control and self-awareness.

Personal Reflection

These readings have made me realize that I struggle with simple writing and online reading. I tend to fluff up my sentences, thinking it delivers my message better. Instead, it overcomplicates my writing process and confuses my audience. As for reading online, I get easily distracted by the endless stream of content and notifications. I often jump between tabs, clicking on random links or working on different assignments at once. This constant shift in attention makes it difficult to engage in deep reading. I end up skimming material more than truly comprehending what I’m reading. Despite these challenges, it’s key to be self-aware of our shortcomings and make an effort to improve both our writing and reading abilities.