This is a question I find myself asking repeatedly.
In this generation, the habit of reading is rapidly going extinct, people (especially young individuals) do not consider it “fun” anymore and will quickly pick the next available option.
Reading books, articles, and written materials used to be for enlightenment, information, and understanding and it did not even matter where one read from; hard copy books or soft copy materials.
The reading culture is not encouraged in today's generation and we can tell why:
Social changes.
Technological shift.
Lack of encouragement to read.
Change in priorities.
Some people prefer movie adaptations of books and that is okay because audio-visuals appeal more to the mind. Others will quickly scroll past an article if it is not entertainment or the next hot gossip and that I can understand because what fuels every individual’s passion differs.
The decline in reading culture stems from technological shifts. It has to be Content (video) or it isn't content!
Children pay more attention to video games, movies, and social media. Yes, social media will take a portion of the blame as well and I strongly believe that early introduction of children to social media causes a shift in their attention.
Similarly, it is heartbreaking to see Nigerian students push their books aside and engage in futile activities that have no reward for their academic pursuits. “Studying is stressful,” most of them say so they dump the books and wide array of information they can get from the internet.
Students resort to reading a day before examinations or on the day of the examination. Many Nigerians find it very difficult to read a book once they graduate from school and you still wonder why?
Reading/readable materials are unavailable?
This is only applicable to poor communities and areas where libraries are poorly equipped.
Lack of access to books and materials? Yes but not the unavailability of books. In modern times, written content and materials have been made into soft copies for easier access, to save one the hassle of carrying a hard copy book around. You have whatever you need on phones, laptops, iPads, and tablets to enable you to read on the go, anywhere and anytime.
We need to bring back our reading culture.
Note:
A reader has an actively curious mind. Very descriptive books give room for your imagination to wonder, wander, and paint a series of scenarios about what you read… this is the true beauty of being a reader, your imagination knows no bounds.