“Research shows that reading boosts intelligence by strengthening brain connectivity”
I WAS not at all surprised to read in a news article that studies have shown that today’s Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) is the first generation to ever be considered less intelligent than their parents since scientists began tracking cognitive skills.
The generation refers to the demographic cohort succeeding Millennials and preceding Generation Alpha, often called “Zoomers” or ‘‘digital natives” because they are the first generation to grow up fully in the internet age.
Maybe it’s because they rely too much on their cellphones and tablets for learning, instead of reading.
In my generation, we asked questions on anything, the whys and hows, and sought the answers in books and libraries.
Research shows that reading boosts intelligence by strengthening brain connectivity, increasing vocabulary and enhancing empathy. Gen Z relies on scrolling the internet for their information. Santa Banana, this is alarming!
This is not an affront or an accusation against the current generation, but it is true.
There are studies that show a significant decline in traditional, long-form book reading, driven by the rise of short form digital content and social media.
Gen Z no longer reads and no longer asks questions. I am not saying this to accuse the current generation of anything. It is just that that is now how things are developing.
My Friend JDV
It saddened me to read that my good friend Joe de Venecia died several days ago on Feb. 10, at the age of 89. JDV, as he was fondly called, was fun to be with.
There were many times when I used to visit him at his Dasmarinas Village residence where he used to tell me what will happen next at the House of Representatives.
JDV was one of a kind politician. He was a friend to everybody, even to his political enemies.
One time JDV visited me and asked me to help him talk to then vice president Erap Estrada because at that point JDV was challenging Erap for the presidency.
JDV asked me if it was possible for me to invite Erap to a closed-door meeting.
When I asked him what was the reason for the closed-door meeting, he told me he wanted to know if it was possible for Erap not to run for president anymore and to give way for him because he was also running for president.
I got them together in one of the suites at the Manila Peninsula. The reason for this was that surveys had shown that Erap Estrada would be a sure winner against JDV.
However, in that meeting, which I arranged, Erap refused to give way to JDV, even though JDV offered Erap a lot of things in return.
Whatever they discussed, I cannot divulge, and the rest is history.
That is how close I was to Joe de Venecia. With his demise, I will miss him very much.
