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Decline in reading habits, watching over reading, attention span, rise of social media
Reading has for decades been one of the primary ways of connecting, gaining knowledge and even indulging in means of entertainment. Recently, with the rise of digital media, there has been a noticeable shift in almost everything- the way the people connect, indulge and interact in their daily lives. One of the most basic examples of this is the rise of the social media culture.
With so much information online, people hardly find it useful to read anymore when information can be made available so swiftly without much effort. Lets understand the possible reasons for the shift and why it matters so much today:
1. The Rise of Consuming Everything Online
We have been so addicted to the quick availability of things that we do not have much patience for stuff anymore. From shopping to scrolling, everybody depends on their phones or the internet for even their immediate needs. This is perhaps the most possible reason for why people find reading as something that requires too much effort when when it doesn't.
This also is what may be the case for students and professionals. Instead of going through academic books or professional journals, most people opt to go for their summaries online or quick youtube videos.
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While, they may also be fair in their part for doing so. When we're already stuck in too many things at once, it is actually beneficial if we could get a few of the things done quickly with less efforts. But the way things go wrong here is when we depend on these devices entirely. People are now far away from even their reading habits, opting to go for movie versions of even podcasts.
2. Decline in Attention Span
With so many reels and shorts, we have also noticed the attention span going down. We almost want everything to be done and complete instantly. This has also created a cycle for why people prefer watching or scrolling over reading:
1. It is believed to be easier and quick.
2. Faster
3. More entertaining.
Over time, this has made people realise that reading is in fact a time taking activity, making it appear even as boring or just exhausting.
Are Books Really Using All Their Value?
Well, not entirely, book are not disappearing but this may be surprising to hear, that they are evolving.
Now people read content through:
1. Films
2. Audiobook
3. Podcasts
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So, even if people are consuming the same information, the medium has definitely changed and there may be some pros to it, but nothing really beats the feeling of having and reading a book.
This article is not about targeting digital means of information, but to simply call for a return to what people have been connected to for decades. Traditional reading is also what some people prefer especially students, researchers and even academic professionals.
In a world where there is so much of the visual information, reading has now become an experience which remains unique in its own context.
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