In a survey of 1,000 participants aged 18-27, 83% claimed to be taking various steps to limit their social media usage. The poll, provided by The Harris Polls, also reports that 91% of participants associate social media with the word “addicting.” Online trends on social media itself confirm this data, with a growing presence of “Offline Habits” posts on Instagram and TikTok.
With more young people unplugging, many aren’t curious about where to start, but how to start living a more offline life. Still, in a time when more are seeking fulfillment beyond what technology and social media can provide, most shy away from the misunderstood art of reading.
As an English Literature graduate, I’m often marveled by others for my commitment to reading. The average English major is assigned about 12 hours of reading a week. In my case, that could’ve easily been more if you include leisurely reading. While this is an intense schedule, one does not have to subscribe to this complete commitment to reading. Reading is a force for change and the sentiment that reading is not for everyone is a myth. While my degree may not have provided me with job security, it certainly provided me with an understanding of reading that I’ll share today.
Myth #1: You have to finish every book you pick up
The main complaint I’ve heard from friends and family is their particularness when it comes to what they read. This leads to them putting many books down before they can finish out of disinterest. For most, this is how their attempt at becoming a bookworm ends, as they understand it as a confirmation of their lack of the skill. But this is not a valid assessment. I easily start more books than I actually end up finishing. In order to start liking reading more, you need to read more. And the only way to read more is reading more! Even the books you don’t finish, because that reveals what you don’t like in a story.
Myth #2: Speed is what counts
It could be that many of us grew up taking timed exams. It could also be that comprehension in the process of learning was long ago exchanged for production output. When you read a book, it is not your responsibility to finish it within a certain time frame, but to walk away with some newfound understanding. It doesn’t matter how long a book takes you, because it is not going anywhere. Plus, the cooler the book you’re reading, the longer you can mention it as your current read!
Myth #3: Reading is not for everyone
Why is reading not for everyone? Because some of us have to read slower than others? Because others are less choosy on what they read cover to cover? When it is just you and a good book, you’ll notice the world slowly strays away from space and time. It’s not because the world has disappeared, but because you are finally flowing with space and time. Reading is about capturing your imagination despite the reality of where your feet are on the ground. It passes down knowledge, no matter the genre, and that is what’s actually grounding.
All in all…
Today’s screen fatigue has led to a resurgence of hobbies that focus on the real, tangible world. 52% of participants from the Harris Poll associate the word anxiety with using social media. Time Magazine reported that less passive relaxation, like reading, supports mental health, with added bonus improvements such as lowering the frequency of anxiety and depression. If you’ve ever been discouraged from reading, or from reading more often, take this as your sign. Reading is for everyone!
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