The speed reading is in disrepute: advantages of slow reading for the information equilibrium

Abstract

The study is dedicated to the impact of the speed and the acceleration on the preservation of the information equilibrium and the ability for critical thinking in the active person. The methods about the fast reading training are subjected to a critical analysis. On the grounds of the theory for the information equilibrium and the philosophy of the slow media, is derived the relation “slow reading – information equilibrium”. “Information equilibrium” is defined as “imposed by the information environment for natural and sufficient satisfaction of the individual needs, in the conditions of relative freedom.” It is supported the thesis about the rethinking of the positives of the fast reading and the rehabilitation and active promotion of the universal literacy in slow reading. The need of promoting the slow reading in the context of the requirements for urgent mass training on information literacy and for critical thinking at times of misinformation, fake news and post-truth has been empirically drawn and grounded. The author's suggestion is to move to a stratified and subordinate redefinition of the goals of the information and the media literacy. The idea is to develop a standard for “profiled” or “niche” information literacy – for each category of person (age, professional) to be written the relevant “maximum program” that does not exceed the rational and the advisable towards their potential.