What is Bionic Reading and Does It Actually Works?

If you’re anything like us, your love of books and reading extends far beyond typical leisure reading. This pastime has been around for generations, and its worth cannot be overstated. The benefits of having healthy reading habits in terms of general knowledge, physical and mental health, and success have motivated individuals to spend decades figuring out how to read more and better.

While the benefits of bionic reading are still being examined and analyzed, the promises are fairly promising. We performed some research to present you with the most thorough and correct information about bionic reading and how it may help you become a more efficient reader.

What is Bionic Reading?

Let’s start with the fundamentals. Renato Casuut, a Swiss developer, invented Bionic Reading. He intended to facilitate reading by “leading the gaze through artificial fixation sites.” What does that even mean? The first three letters of the word “Bionic” are highlighted. The first four letters of the word “reading” are in bold. In Bionic Reading, all words are presented in this manner.

The idea is that your eyes focus on the bolded portion of the word while your brain fills in the remainder. Because your brain can read quicker than your eyes, you can read faster while preserving complete context by minimizing the number of letters your eyes must glance at.

It may appear to be a basic typeface, but it is much more than that. A typeface would not be able to modify certain words. Developers may utilize the Bionic Reading API to make it a text choice in applications. They can change the number of bolded letters and the contrast with the unhighlighted ones.

Is Speed Reading The Same as Bionic Reading?

Although Bionic Reading is another rapid-reading option, it does not require any familiarization or time commitment. For example, learning to regulate and limit sub-vocalization is a common strategy for increasing reading speed. That’s our inclination to internally speak the words we’re reading, which we start doing unconsciously when we first learn to read.

Because our brain processes information far quicker than our vocal system permits us to convey, removing sub-vocalization can improve reading speed. It takes more work to unlearn something you’ve thought was normal since childhood.

Different from most speed reading approaches, Bionic Reading can be used without us having to relearn how to read. As a result, you’ll be able to witness its results (or lack thereof) almost quickly after turning it on.

How to Use Bionic Reading?

Bionic Reading has an official Chrome browser extension.

1. To use it, go to Bionic Reading and scroll down until you see a huge gray button labeled Bionic Reading Extension.
2. You’ll be brought to the Bionic Reading extension page on the Chrome Web Store when you click it. Install it in the same way you would any other extension by clicking the Add to Chrome button on the right.
3. Take note of the extension’s new button in the top-right corner of the browse extensions section. Visit the webpage and select the Bionic Reader option.
4. The page will be transformed into an ultra-simplified “reading mode” version with no components other than the text, which Bionic Reading will update. The first few words will be highlighted.
5. You may adjust how Bionic Reading impacts the text by using the controls at the top of the page. You may alter how many letters appear in bold, the “strength” of the text, the font size, and so on.
6. If you want to avoid fiddling with the controls separately, click the Settings icon in the upper-right corner to have them all expand. Then go through them until you’re satisfied with how the text looks. Click the checkmark symbol next to the settings button to save your changes.
7. You may download the text in PDF or EPUB format or send it to your Kindle using the two links on the bottom right of the page.

EndNote: Should You Use Bionic Reading?

In theory, this seems interesting, but should you utilize it? With a few examples on this page, you may have already answered that question. Can you read this sentence faster than the others? If you answered yes, you should give it a go.

Some persons with ADHD or dyslexia have discovered that Bionic Reading enhances their reading comprehension. Others don’t perceive a significant change when compared to plain text. At the time of writing, there is no proof that Bionic Reading is superior to conventional text. However, if it makes reading simpler for you, there’s no reason not to try it.

Also read: Which iPad is Best to Buy for Students & How to Choose The Best for You?