Flickthroughing

Flickthroughing is a colloquial term describing the rapid, often non-linear, browsing of content. It is most commonly associated with looking through books, magazines, or other printed materials by quickly flipping the pages. This action allows for a broad, superficial overview of the material, enabling the flickthrougher to quickly assess its contents, identify interesting sections, or simply pass the time. The pace is typically much faster than careful reading, prioritizing speed and breadth over depth.

The term can also extend to digital media, such as scrolling through social media feeds, browsing websites, or rapidly navigating through image galleries on a computer or mobile device. In this digital context, flickthroughing often involves swiping gestures on touchscreens or using scroll wheels and keyboard shortcuts. The underlying principle remains the same: a quick, often uncritical, examination of a large volume of information in a short period.

While flickthroughing can be an efficient way to discover relevant material or to get a general sense of a topic, it is generally not conducive to deep comprehension or critical analysis. It is a mode of engagement that prioritizes exposure over understanding. The practice is common for entertainment, research preliminary scans, or when faced with an overwhelming amount of information.