Reading in the Digital Age
Reading has become increasingly less common. Despite the fact that the learning process necessitates reading proficiency, schools continue to record low reading and writing proficiency. In terms of content, reading covers a wide range of topics. History, science, the arts, and literature are some of the typical materials that have captivated people of all ages. The information and communication technology revolution, on the other hand, abruptly altered the reading pattern. The transition from reading physical books to reading e-books has been steady (Carr 18).
The Decline of Reading
Reading has, in turn, lost favor with the younger generation. The evident intergenerational divide means that the contemporary society has lost touch with the tradition of devoting time to concentrate and read several pages of a novel, fiction, and other books. While the school curriculum is still hinged on reading as the effective path to learning, the technological interruption is overriding the teachers and lecturers desire. Even the older generation has been caught in the web of diminishing attitude towards reading. The desire to remain up to date with latest information has overtaken the value of reading history, learn literature and other books.
The Current State of Reading
Findings by National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) reveal that the number of people reading literary work has collapsed. In fact, the young generation is completely out of sync with reading (Cuypers and Christopher 41). Taking a glance at a group of young people seated in restaurants, Bus Park, at home and other social places, one would be fascinated with the concentration on mobile phones, tablets, iPhones, and other gadgets. On the other hands, libraries are experiencing low book borrowing each day with exception of widely publicized best seller publications. Despite the overwhelming inclination towards internet, television, virtual games, computers, radios, mobile devices, among other media, the value of reading remains irreplaceable.
The Benefits of Reading
Reading is a tool for self-improvement. Through reading, one is able to create a structural path that helps in understanding oneself and determine constructive actions. In fact, reading boosts understanding of various topics and enhances developing interest. In-depth mastery of concepts through reading is a recipe to self-confidence. The concentration, composure, and attention that reading require prepares an individual to develop such desirable traits as better communication skills, tolerance, patience, among others. The more one reads, more knowledge is gained and understanding of complex issues steadily becomes easy. More truth about daily life experiences is on the books. The rules that govern various spheres of life are in books and reading opens up the mind to synthesize and make informed judgment for each course of action (Cuypers and Christopher 53). Reading provides a guidance platform for previews, reviews, and feedback from other people which inform one's decision for further action. The culture of reading is an art in itself that promotes better self-understanding from interaction with the book. Reading is a recipe for better communication. The process of reading, understanding, and interpreting words is an invaluable tool to connect with the author and the world. Cognitive development and expansion are a function of reading (Cuypers and Christopher 71). The inspiration obtained from reading has a constructive and permanent impact on one's life. Unlike other media, reading books is mentally and physically engaging and boosts creativity, imagination, and innovation.
The Impact of Other Media
The influence of other media such as television, mobile devices, and the internet on reading cannot be underrated. The prevalence of anxiety for news and other information has pushed several people to resort to cheaper, fragmented, and ready content available on media (Carr 64). The availability of books online has even made the situation worse. The steady drift towards the internet to access e-books is also influencing people to divert to other pleasures in the social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, among others. Besides, multiple previews, articles, and journals have become the convenient alternative to reading physical books. As to whether alternative media will render reading obsolete is a question that elicits mixed responses. Infrastructural differences across the world will still leave the books as the main source of information. The internet, television, radio, and other media are supported by infrastructure which is available in developed countries but limited in the third world. In that regard, complete elimination of reading is unrealistic. However, the unprecedented diffusion of technology around the world and the influence of mainstream and social media will reduce the need to read.
The Consequences of Reduced Reading
The society has a lot to pay in exchange for reduced reading. The next generation will likely believe in the media construct of the society and fail to be creative. Moral deviance, heightened anxiety, limited understanding, poor communication skills, and fading interpersonal skills will likely be the problems of the society. A critical assessment of the significance of reading calls for the societal reconsideration to campaign for a revival in book reading.
Works Cited
Carr, Nicholas G. The Shallows: How the Internet Is Changing the Way We Think, Read and Remember. London: Atlantic Books, 2011. Print.
Cuypers, Stefaan E, and Christopher Martin. Reading R. S. Peters Today: Analysis, Ethics, and the Aims of Education. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 2011. Internet resource.
