Is Technology Killing or Kindling a Love of Reading?

The Importance of Reading for Millennials: The Power of Words in a Digital World

Millennials are often referred to as the “wired-generation” due to their dependency on the latest gadgets, smartphones, and social media. According to a recent study by Common Sense Media, teenagers spend an average of 7 hours per day consuming media. With technology being so pervasive, we are becoming more and more disconnected from the art of literature. While we are getting increasingly tech-savvy, we are neglecting an essential ingredient for personal growth: reading. As bibliophiles, we must urge and persuade millennials to read, not just for pleasure, but for the pursuit of knowledge and personal development.

Reading can transform individuals by providing perspectives and enriching their understanding of the world. It is an excellent tool to handle different situations in life, and it can provide advice on personal problems. It is a way to broaden horizons of knowledge and improve self-reflection. However, reading is becoming less popular amongst millennials, and now, in this computerized era, the new generation has no extra time, instead investing that time into non-literary activities, such as playing video games, watching movies, or social networking. The tragedy is that even though we are progressing in technology; literature is left behind.

Reading creates a sense of connection to the world and a sense of purpose beyond the immediate. When someone reads, it’s an intimate experience. Literature is full of tangible and beneficial advantages to the reader, lowering stress levels, bolstering creativity, and improving cognitive function are all scientifically proven benefits. Studies confirm that engaging in leisure reading leads to higher levels of empathy due to absorbing the perspectives and emotions of the characters in the story. It makes people more empathetic, sympathetic, and understanding.

Not only is reading beneficial and transformative for oneself, but it is also essential in creating a better world around us. As John Green, the famous American novelist, wrote, “Sometimes you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book.” Green speaks from the heart, making literature imperative, such as writing for social change, academic growth, and personal livelihood. Literature is not just enjoyable, but it can also impact one’s life on many different levels.

Many experts stress the importance of reading. Shelley Hulan, a professor in the English department at the University of Waterloo, believes that “Reading is important because it’s a way of participating in the construction of meanings around complex issues, and a way of imagining things differently than we might otherwise.” Professor Hulan believes that reading can lead to a better understanding of the world around us and become a beautiful way to learn about cultures, identities and experiences that are not our own.

Katherine Paterson, writer of the famous book, “Bridge to Terabithia,” states, “I have never known any distress that an hour’s reading did not relieve.” According to Paterson, reading does not only work as an excellent stress relief mechanism but can also become an enjoyable activity that leads to happiness. Reading is both beneficial and enjoyable, ultimately benefitting the reader intellectually, socially, and even emotionally.

Reading is just not about simply reading, it’s about the experience. It is one of the greatest ways to escape the world and create moments of peace through literature. The power of words can transport one to another realm and create places to wander and escape. With reading becoming less and less popular, literature must be given relevance in a new digitally-obsessed age. The written word is more important than ever, and we must endeavour to bring back a love of literature to society.

Educators are also quick to promote reading as a fantastic leisure activity for students and young adults who encourage and provide them with supplementary reading lists that can pique their interests. With the world as it is now, there’s plenty of material for reading from post-apocalyptic books to dystopia. But let’s not forget the classics, such as Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, and classic philosophers. Don’t be afraid to return to the roots of literature and experience vast new worlds and different characters through books.

Reading is the ticket to a journey of self-discovery, self-improvement and empathy with many studies bearing this out. Reading also creates a sense of connectivity towards our communities and can lead to a better, more fulfilled life. Reading is, quite literally, the foundation of all knowledge and growth. It’s not about the amount of time spent consuming digital media but the quality of that time.

Reading has always been a cornerstone of education and personal growth, but its importance has only increased with the rise of the digital age. As English Professor Stephanie Tatum notes, “Reading is not only a pastime but a way of developing critical thinking skills that are essential to life in the 21st century.”

While many believe that the younger generation is losing interest in reading, the truth is that millennials are still avid readers. In fact, according to a recent survey by Pew Research Center, 80 percent of adults between the ages of 18 to 29 reported having read a book in the past year. However, the ways in which this generation reads, and what they read, has evolved with the times.

As Jeff Mitsch, an expert in digital publishing and marketing, explains, “The younger generations are reading just as much as they always have, but they are reading differently.” He notes that millennials often turn to online sources for news and information, and may be more likely to read shorter pieces such as articles, blogs, and social media posts, rather than full-length books.

This shift towards digital reading may seem concerning to some, but it’s important to remember that the medium is not as important as the act of reading itself. As Tatum notes, “Reading is reading, whether it’s a physical book or a digital one. As long as people are engaging with literature and learning from it, that’s what matters.”

The benefits of reading, regardless of the format, are numerous. For millennials, in particular, reading can be a powerful tool for personal growth and development. As Jamie Russo, a career coach and author, explains, “Reading is a way to gain insights and perspectives beyond your own experiences. It’s a way to learn from others and expand your understanding of the world.”

Reading can also help millennials navigate the complexities of life in the modern world. As psychologist Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary notes, “Reading can provide a sense of escapism and a break from the overwhelming pace of life. It can also provide a sense of reassurance and perspective, helping individuals cope with difficult situations.”

In addition to its personal benefits, reading can also have a positive impact on an individual’s professional life. As Mitsch explains, “Reading can help you develop stronger communication skills, as well as critical thinking and analytical skills that are essential in many job fields.”

So, how can millennials make the most of their reading habits? Tatum recommends setting aside time each day for reading, whether it be a physical book or an online article. She also suggests exploring different genres and authors to broaden one’s perspective and gain new insights.

Russo echoes this sentiment, noting that “It’s important for millennials to challenge themselves to read outside of their comfort zones. This can help them develop greater empathy and understanding for others, which is crucial in today’s diverse and interconnected world.”

The importance of reading for millennials cannot be overstated. Whether it be a physical book or an online article, reading can provide personal growth, professional development, and a sense of escapism from the busy pace of life. So, as Jeff Mitsch advises, “Read whatever you feel like reading, wherever you feel like reading, but read. Read for God’s sake as it will make you a better person.”

Reading is a timeless and powerful tool for gaining knowledge and belonging to a larger community. But, the reading habits of millennials has been largely viewed with skepticism due to the increased reliance on digital tools and platforms. According to Andrew Campbell, a researcher at the University of Toronto, “millennials are not just reading on digital platforms but are using those platforms to create and share their thoughts about the books and stories that they are reading.”

This trend of digital reading is gaining significant traction across college campuses, with students leveraging digital book exchanges in an effort to save on textbook costs. With increased reliance on digital reading tools, some studies have revealed that millennials are indeed reading more than ever before. According to Saeideh Bakhshi, professor of Librarian and Information Science at Florida State University, “Millennials still value print books, but they are more likely to use digital resources because they have grown up exposed to technology.”

So, while we may not be seeing an increase in physical book purchases, millennials are certainly turning to digital tools and platforms to read literature. Millennials are engaging with books in new and innovative ways, leveraging their knowledge of technology and new media to create communities around books and literature.

It is certain that the age of technology and digital platforms provides a variety of reading formats that may make reading easier in some ways and more accessible for millennials. Reading has countless benefits for the human mind; it can help increase intelligence, creativity and provide solace. Yet some millennials are still not taking advantage of the opportunity of reading, turning instead to digital media for entertainment and engagement.

Bridging the gap between millennials and reading culture does not only entail access to digital formats, but an encouragement for millennials to take an active interest in books, novels, and other forms of literature not just as sources of educational information, but as enjoyable and leisure activities. This means that bookstores, library shelves and reading spots should encourage more millennials to step away from their phones and laptops and delve into the world of literature.

From reading novels to exploring history, literature and accepting debating points, millennials should come to realize that reading can be a part of their lifestyle instead of a task that they have to fulfill. This realization and acceptance will open new doors to critical thinking, analytical learning and cultural appreciation.

Reading is an intrinsic part of human life and we must continue to encourage millennials to read and partake in literary conversations and communities. Some of the biggest influencers and most intelligent minds of our age are voracious readers and if we may take a lesson from them, we can come to understand that reading can provide an expanse of knowledge, and wisdom, that can help our minds become vibrant and creative, that can inspire us to achieve our goals and, ultimately, that can nurture a wholesome understanding of life.