The brain has very high plasticity. It is able to rewire itself for tasks that are done frequently so that it is able to perform those tasks better. The ability to read, understand, consider, and analyze long-form text is a skill that will be slowly lost in such a scenario. And I'd argue that the ability to read and understand documentation about complex ideas goes hand-in-hand with various important things, including complex scientific research, the details of an M&A deal, economic agreements between nations, or application source code. Maybe the average person doesn't need to do these things, but if more and more drop reading, the gross numbers of people able to grow into those roles would probably also decline.
I think the general consensus in the scientific community is that reading enables more long-term brainpower than does television or video games. Staving off Alzheimer's is one area that is frequently cited as a benefit for example.
>complex scientific research, the details of an M&A deal, economic agreements between nations, or application source code.
Most of those activities you listed are what a ’93 DOE survey called “level 5” tasks[1]. Only 3-4% of American adults are at level 5.[2] There was a followup survey was in 2003, but they combined level 4 and 5 [3]. There weren’t any significant changes to the other 3 levels, so I doubt level 5 increased either.
I think the general consensus in the scientific community is that reading enables more long-term brainpower than does television or video games. Staving off Alzheimer's is one area that is frequently cited as a benefit for example.
edit: wording