The Orality Theory of Everything
The Atlantic
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The rise of orality in modern communication is reshaping how we think, process information, and interact with the world—reviving principles from ancient oral cultures that predated widespread literacy. According to media theorists like Walter Ong and Marshall McLuhan, the shift from an oral to a literate society was one of humanity's most transformative changes, enabling complex systems of thought and individualized learning. However, the decline of reading and rise of social media are now reversing this trend, bringing us back to an era where communication is more immediate, emotional, and reliant on memorability.
In oral cultures, information was shared through rhythm, rhyme, and repetition to ensure it could be remembered and passed down. This approach prioritized collective storytelling over individual analysis, fostering a sense of community but limiting the depth of knowledge retention. Today, social media platforms amplify this dynamic by promoting content that spreads quickly and is easily digestible—often at the expense of nuance.
The implications for politics are profound. The orality theory helps explain why modern political discourse is increasingly polarized, emotional, and resistant to facts. It also sheds light on the rise of conspiracy theories and the decline of long-form, deep thinking. As communication becomes more conversational and less reflective, decision-making becomes faster but potentially less informed.
Understanding these shifts matters for anyone seeking to navigate—or influence—the modern information landscape. The orality theory offers a lens to comprehend how our brains are being rewired by technology and culture, shaping not just what we think, but how we think it. This perspective is crucial for addressing the challenges of misinformation, polarization, and declining attention spans in today's increasingly oral world.
Verticals
politicsculture
Originally published on The Atlantic on 2/22/2026