Critical thinking has been a cornerstone of academia and sound decision-making for decades. What used to be a skill that was widely taught in school and regularly used well into adulthood is starting to see a rapid decline in recent years.
In this article, we are going to explore the reasons why critical thinking is currently on the decline and what we can do about it.
Why is critical thinking declining?
To properly answer this question, you need just one word. Technology.
Although technology has brought incredible advances to our lives, it is also responsible for the downfall of critical thinking in our society. There are many reasons why this is happening, but much of it has to do with the amount of information that is available and the habits that technology creates.
Here are some of the biggest reasons why technology is a big part of why critical thinking is declining:
Information overload
The use of computers and other technological devices has changed our habits and the way our brain works, resulting in a completely different thought pattern when analyzing information.
Most of us are working on a phone or computer with multiple tabs open, which is a physical representation of the culture of multi-tasking that has become so celebrated in the world.
People are praised for having a lot going on and trying to do many things at once (a product of “hustle culture”, which results in information overload. When you operate from a place of information overload you are able to get a lot of things done, but none of them well.
Computers > Books
Kids (and adults) just aren’t spending a lot of time reading books anymore. The allure of an action-packed video game or Youtube video is much stronger than picking up a book and reading for many.
Although the shift towards more technology-based hobbies like gaming and watching videos is representative of the times, it is wreaking havoc on critical thinking skills. When you read a book, you are constantly inferring the meaning behind the words (and sometimes pictures) presented to you.
Books present the opportunity to take in information and make it your own. It encourages imagination and critical thinking skills to understand and absorb the material on the pages of the book. This just simply doesn’t happen with gaming and watching videos, so those skills are not being learned in the same way today.
Changes in education
The educational system is always changing and evolving (as it should), but the changes aren’t always for the better.
There has been a recent movement with both parents and young educators to begin drilling things into children’s heads earlier and earlier. Parents are encouraged to use flashcards at home to promote earlier talking and reading to help their children become smarter more quickly.
As the children exposed to this style of learning are beginning to finish their education and move into the workforce, the areas that this type of education is lacking are becoming more and more apparent.
Research is showing that while children and young adults are showing they have incredible memorization and recall abilities, they are lacking in critical thinking. Without critical thinking, problem-solving and understanding complex topics (essential skills in the world) become almost impossible.
How can we bring back critical thinking?
We know that there is a crisis when it comes to critical thinking, so it’s important to do everything we can to bring it back. The good news is that it isn’t a lost cause, but it requires the work of parents and educators to really focus on helping children develop and hone this skill.
Here are some of the ways that we can focus on reintroducing critical thinking before it disappears completely:
In the classroom
Back to basics
Studies have shown that if teachers begin to implement more traditional educational methods including reading physical books and encouraging students to write and draw by hand, their critical thinking and problem-solving skills will soar.
There is certainly reason to embrace the technology that schools have spent time and money investing in, but going back to basics will have the greatest impact when it comes to critical thinking.
Balance digital and traditional methods
With all of the technological advances in the last few decades, it’s become easier for teachers to rely on technology more than ever. Computers and tablets make it easy to present information in a way that children are interested in and understand well, but unfortunately, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows.
It might feel counterintuitive at first to step away from technology, but finding a balance between the two is the best way to capitalize on all important skills including critical thinking.
At home
Less time with technology
It’s expected that most children (and adults) will have computers, tablets, and/or smartphones at some point. The goal isn’t to remove these tools from the world, but rather to spend more time doing other things.
To help encourage less technology time and work on critical thinking, encouraging children to play open-ended games, explore outside, and read real books are all wonderful ways to foster more critical thinking.
Model good behavior
Children watch everything adults do, so it’s important to realize that our own habits with technology are impacting the children around us every day.
If you are trying to minimize TV time or computer time in hopes of helping your child improve their critical thinking skills, you need to put down your phone and turn off the TV too.
By setting the example that technology has a time and a place, you can help instill those values and shift the focus to more real-life skills.
Is critical thinking important for adults?
So much of the focus on critical thinking is on childhood because that is when the skill is learned and honed the most. However, the importance of this skill remains well into adulthood.
Critical thinking can help you succeed in your career, get along better with people in your life, increase your ability to learn and understand things that are presented to you, and so much more.
Strong critical thinking skills help set a strong foundation for a rich life, so it’s important to maintain this skill forever.
References
https://www.forbes.com/sites/colinseale/2020/04/10/the-case-for-critical-thinking-the-covid-19-pandemic-and-an-urgent-call-to-close-the-critical-thinking-gap-in-education/?sh=3b5269d47b72
https://newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/is-technology-producing-a-decline-79127
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-intuitive-parent/201703/the-emerging-crisis-in-critical-thinking
