Literacy Rates Are Dropping. Can Tech Be the Solution?

Literacy Rates Are Dropping. Can Tech Be the Solution?

August 11, 2026 · 23 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the decline in literacy rates and explores the dual role of technology in this issue.

In recent years, there have been worrying declines in literacy rates. Is screen time part of the problem? Or could technology actually help us raise better readers? Early literacy specialist Susan Neuman explains why it's a bit of both in this conversation from last October. Terms of Service is a CNN Podcasts and Goat Rodeo production. At Goat Rodeo, the lead producer is Rebecca Seidel, and the executive producers are Megan Nadolski and Ian Enright. At CNN, Dan Bloom is our Senior Producer and Dan Dzula is our Technical Director. Production support from Sofía Sanchez. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Clare Duffy

Guest: Susan Neuman

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Organizations: CNN Podcasts, Goat Rodeo

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