I adore reading, don’t you? The soft, lucrative paper mingles between my fingertips as I escape into an unknown world. Seems I’m not alone. Yet at the same time I wonder if we’re the only ones in the world who are still passionate for a good book! Maybe. Maybe not...
Writers have always been around. Since the time of Aristotle and William Shakespeare: more than 400 years ago. The desire for gripping literature has always been grand. The first books ever published had pages made of parchment, possibly millions, and millions, and millions of year ago!
Since about the year 2005, technology has been on a major, major increase. First it started off with a phone; now you can call from that very phone to the other side of the world almost instantly. It is developing as you read… The advancing of technology leaves even more of the population rejecting brilliant books. How?
Technology appeals.
Firstly, it is bright, it is colourful, and furthermore it is fun. Within the touch of a button we can connect with all of our friends. With the world at our feet, the people of today can’t think of anything better than socialising. Socialising enhances us with opportunities. Make new friends. Chat with friends. Connect with the world. The social media storm has been thunderous over the past few years. Initially creating a shimmering rainbow of opportunities for both youngsters and adults alike…
Since about the year 2005, technology has been on a major, major increase. First it started off with a phone; now you can call from that very phone to the other side of the world almost instantly. It is developing as you read… The advancing of technology leaves even more of the population rejecting brilliant books. How?
Technology appeals.
Firstly, it is bright, it is colourful, and furthermore it is fun. Within the touch of a button we can connect with all of our friends. With the world at our feet, the people of today can’t think of anything better than socialising. Socialising enhances us with opportunities. Make new friends. Chat with friends. Connect with the world. The social media storm has been thunderous over the past few years. Initially creating a shimmering rainbow of opportunities for both youngsters and adults alike…
Skype. Facebook. Twitter. Instagram. Pinterest. Flickr. And so many more; the list is endless…
With marketed technology and free social media, there almost seems no reason for people to buy books. Why pay to stare at black and white crumpled pages? Only 4% of the British population lack access to sign on to the internet. 4% is tremendously low. Now days, it has never been easier for us to use the services in which the internet provides us with.
Reading takes time. Lots of time. Today, society juggles work, along with having fun. People don’t have the time to settle down with a thick, luxurious book, a cup of steaming hot chocolate and endorse a beautifully written masterpiece. Do they? The world is an increasingly manic place.
With marketed technology and free social media, there almost seems no reason for people to buy books. Why pay to stare at black and white crumpled pages? Only 4% of the British population lack access to sign on to the internet. 4% is tremendously low. Now days, it has never been easier for us to use the services in which the internet provides us with.
Reading takes time. Lots of time. Today, society juggles work, along with having fun. People don’t have the time to settle down with a thick, luxurious book, a cup of steaming hot chocolate and endorse a beautifully written masterpiece. Do they? The world is an increasingly manic place.
The thing that no one seems to realise is that technology consumes a gigantic amount of our time. Tonnes. On average in 2009, a British person spent approximately 10.7 hours per week on the internet. With the swift increase of social media, and the desirable latest products, such as smart phones and tablets, this figure has risen to 11.3 hours spent per week online at home. This doesn’t include the amount of people who use internet at school, work or on the go. 11.3 hours. Now we can’t claim we don’t have time. Just like reading, technology steals masses of our time, but why are we willing to devote our time to treacherous technology instead of sincere books?
Why has reading got such a repulsive reputation?
Well, in the past couple of years more than 360 libraries in England have been threatened with closure. Locals fought a lengthy battle but still, no money literally means no money. Some campaigns didn’t work, making it even harder for our increasing population to access free books…
Why has reading got such a repulsive reputation?
Well, in the past couple of years more than 360 libraries in England have been threatened with closure. Locals fought a lengthy battle but still, no money literally means no money. Some campaigns didn’t work, making it even harder for our increasing population to access free books…
With libraries closed, reading is no longer an event which groups can participate in for free. Isolation. Let’s be honest the kids of today don’t want to pay for books. Having to pay reduces the appeal, even more! “It’s boring”. “It’s effort”. “I hate reading”. If you’re caught reading the consequences can be quite embarrassing. Suddenly you’re a laughingstock. Funny! For some reason reading has a strange stigma. Haha. Kids mock… “Reading is for old people!”
But it’s not. It’s for everyone. The young and the old. And if you love reading, be proud about it. Fear not, despite all I’ve shared…
Reading isn’t completely forgotten. Many, many people still regularly read these people have the correct balance. If you are one of these people, I recommend a pat on the back! Reading is perfect for intellectual health. Not only does it help with reading skills, needed in the big wide world, it also ensures sanity and peace of mind. Escaping to another world can really help to stray away from life's little stresses! Without stimulation, the brain becomes reluctant and murky like a foggy morning. Like reading or not, it does satisfy the brains hopes and dreams…
Thank you very much for taking the time to read. Please share your opinions on this topic too…
But it’s not. It’s for everyone. The young and the old. And if you love reading, be proud about it. Fear not, despite all I’ve shared…
Reading isn’t completely forgotten. Many, many people still regularly read these people have the correct balance. If you are one of these people, I recommend a pat on the back! Reading is perfect for intellectual health. Not only does it help with reading skills, needed in the big wide world, it also ensures sanity and peace of mind. Escaping to another world can really help to stray away from life's little stresses! Without stimulation, the brain becomes reluctant and murky like a foggy morning. Like reading or not, it does satisfy the brains hopes and dreams…
Thank you very much for taking the time to read. Please share your opinions on this topic too…
Data belongs to: Dutton, W.H. and Blank, G., with Groselj, D. (2013) Cultures of the Internet: The Internet in Britain. Oxford Internet Survey 2013. Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford.
Images courtesy of FreedigitalPhotos.net