For those looking to increase their reading speed, Bionic Reading may offer a solution. But is it really as effective as it claims to be?
For many bookworms, being able to read faster is a coveted skill. However, increasing one's reading speed is easier said than done, especially for those who get easily distracted—which happens to be most of us in this age of the internet and social media. Fortunately, there may be a solution: Bionic Reading. This innovative tool that made quite a splash on social media is designed to help users read faster and more efficiently.
So, what exactly is Bionic Reading? It's an app that makes certain edits to the appearance of a text, highlighting the most concise parts of words. According to the app's creators, this helps guide the eye over the text and allows the brain to remember previously learned words more quickly. As a result, users are able to read through text faster and with less strain on their eyes.
According to Distractify, the app is currently free and being marketed toward the neurodivergent community. Neurodivergence refers to when someone's brain processes, learns and/or behaves differently from what is considered typical. This includes individuals with conditions like autism, ADHD and dyslexia, among others.
I’ve never read so fast. #ADHD pic.twitter.com/7hEA1Tj4X2
— Forest (@forestvanslyke) February 23, 2023
Despite being marketed toward neurodivergent individuals, both neurodivergent and neurotypical folks have claimed to have success with Bionic Reading. The app has even gained popularity on TikTok, with users applauding its ability to improve reading speed.
My brain LOVES this. Reading it out loud is way easier and faster than normal as well. I may have to start formatting my rap lyrics like this. ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/tbhYTpdi1R
— Ra Nerdsworth (@FLitz) February 25, 2023
WOW! that was so fast. I struggle with reading. I'm really really slow. Like mind-numbingly slow. This bold text feels really good. I got through it so quickly and retained the content.
— Dr Sho Jacobs (@shoshanahjacobs) February 24, 2023
I like that. I hope it’s a feature available everywhere soon. pic.twitter.com/DRPgDGuVl3
— MissBe (@MissBehaving777) February 25, 2023
for some reason the OpenDyslexic font helps me a lot too! I've got it set as my default text on my Kindle and it helps me read things with less mistakes (I'm not dyslexic but I read quickly and sometimes misread things) pic.twitter.com/6Xvvgqn6at
— ethan 🌻 (@ethanisaac01) February 25, 2023
However, not everyone is convinced. Some experts point out that there isn't much scientific research to support the effectiveness of Bionic Reading. While the app's creators claim that it helps users read faster, a study conducted by Readwise found that participants actually read 2.6 words per minute slower on average with Bionic Reading than without.
Additionally, some users have pointed out that the Bionic Reading website uses normal font patterns, which seems counterintuitive to its mission. Despite these concerns, Bionic Reading still has a strong and confident fanbase.
It's essential to keep in mind that neurodivergent individuals are not a monolithic group, and what works for one person may not work for another. As one TikTok user pointed out, the challenges and disorders that fall under the umbrella of neurodivergence are vast and varied. Therefore, it's important to approach Bionic Reading with an open mind and understand that it may not be the best solution for everyone.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of Bionic Reading remains to be seen. While it may be helpful for some individuals, more research is needed to determine its true benefits. In the meantime, those looking to improve their reading speed may want to experiment with different methods and tools to find what works best for them.