https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/literacy-is-another-casualty-of-the-decline-of-democracyContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/literacy-is-another-casualty-of-the-decline-of-democracyhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/literacy-is-another-casualty-of-the-decline-of-democracy#u91719Wed, 30 Sep 2026 21:31:16 +0000The decline of literacy is closely tied to the erosion of democracy, with many experts warning that a population unable to read critically is vulnerable to manipulation. According to recent reports, nearly 40 percent of fourth graders read below the basic level, and roughly a third of eighth graders are reading below basic. This trend has significant implications for the future of democracy.Why it mattersThe issue of literacy has become increasingly important in recent years, as concerns about the spread of misinformation and the erosion of critical thinking skills have grown. The ability to r