Modern technology infuses virtually every aspect of society, including the cherished joy of reading.
With a plethora of platforms and devices accessible to the average reader, the physical book, though not obsolete, may eventually follow suit. There is a relationship between technology and reading, this cannot be denied. Here we explore how technology has influenced reading habits.
The Influence of Technology and the Future of Reading
#1 Portable devices
Readers can carry their favorite books in an e-reader, in addition to digital reading platforms. Popular examples include the Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, Onyx Boox, and PocketBook. These handheld devices offer increased portability, readability, and variety. Some e-readers even allow users to access the internet for various purposes like online shopping, sports betting, movie-watching, Skyping, and social networking. They are smaller and lighter than physical books, making them ideal for those constantly on the go. Most e-readers also feature unique display technology that reduces eye strain and screen fatigue caused by “blue light” emissions.
#2 Entire Libraries of Books in Applications
The library remained one of the main sources of books for humanity for quite a long time, but now electronic libraries have appeared. You can use the reading app and read many books at any time. Some of them are free, others are paid. To read novel stories, you can install FictionMe and gain access to a large library of files. The application offers not just content, but also a convenient perception of it: text reproduction, font settings, bookmarks, and personalized recommendations.
#3 Social Media
The use of social media has profoundly impacted our reading habits, governing our daily lives and dramatically altering the way we consume online text. Physical books, once a staple form of entertainment for children worldwide, have been supplanted by digital alternatives. Traditional storytelling has given way to social media and video games, reshaping our reading experiences. Encouraging children to create their own characters, setting, and plot, several online platforms aimed at fostering creativity and storytelling skills. Technological advancements continue to digitize hobbies, and reading is no exception in recent years.
#4 Changing Reading Behaviors
Digital technology may have an impact on attention spans, with the abundance of bite-sized content, like social media updates and short articles, contributing to shorter spans. This can make it challenging for readers to engage with long-form texts.
Multitasking and distractions are often invited by digital devices, disrupting the immersive reading experience and reducing comprehension. The temptation to switch between reading and checking notifications or social media can be the cause.
#5 Interactive
Features that can enhance the reading experience often accompany digital reading platforms. For instance, readers can customize the font size, line spacing, and background color on many e-readers to enhance readability. Interactive elements such as highlighting, note-taking, and dictionary lookups are also offered to facilitate better engagement with the text on certain platforms.
#6 Technology Becomes Commonplace
Technology has changed how we read at home as well as in the classroom. With books, lessons, and even degrees delivered online, exposure to the digital potential of reading is introduced at an early age. Virtual learning platforms have also exploded in popularity in recent years with technology in the classroom no longer a luxury but a necessity to keep up with the modern age. Various examples of technology within education include interactive whiteboards, virtual reality headsets, 3D printing, podcasts, laptops, tablets, and even coding.
#7 Free Access to International Libraries and Inclusiveness
Digital technology has enhanced the accessibility of literature for readers with disabilities, providing features such as text-to-speech, adjustable font sizes, and screen readers. This has fostered inclusivity and made reading more accessible to diverse audiences.
Furthermore, the digitalization of books has enabled global access to literature, eliminating geographical barriers. Readers from different regions can effortlessly explore and enjoy books written in multiple languages.
Conclusion
Students nowadays are undeniably reading less for pleasure. Based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics, the percentage of students who reported reading for pleasure daily dropped from 50% in 1976 to just over 30% in 2016. Similarly, those who reported reading for pleasure at least once a week decreased from nearly 60% in 1976 to slightly over 40% in 2016. Today, only 20% of teenagers report that they voluntarily read books simply for pleasure. Notably, the decline in reading for pleasure is not only prevalent among students but also among adults. Electronic access to books and audiobooks has accelerated the field to match the fast-paced world, but there are still many distractions.
Those who love to read will continue to do so, technology will help with this. But they also create distractions that can also reduce your engagement or interest in books.
