As the use of technology constantly increases in the daily lives of Americans, the amount of time individuals spend reading has significantly diminished over the years.
According to the American Time Use Survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the measure of Americans who read for pleasure has fallen by more than 30 percent since 2004. In that year, approximately 28 percent of Americans ages 15 and older read in their free time. This figure decreased to roughly 19 percent in 2017 and has continued to decrease as people invest more and more of their time into technology.
The survey displays that while the average amount of time spent reading significantly diminished between the years 2004 and 2017, the average amount of time spent watching television noticeably grew. Furthermore, the study recorded that in 2017, the average American spent more than 2 hours and 54 minutes per day watching television, nearly 10 times the amount of time they devoted to reading. The increasing reliance on various other technological devices including computers, cellphones and video games has further contributed to this development.
“The lure of easy entertainment present on TV and internet videos is a widely spread phenomenon and because a lot of people are known to resort to it, it becomes almost an excuse for our students to be okay with not reading enough,” English teacher Ms. Etleva Aidinlli Hasa said. “However, I also think that people who are naturally drawn to reading still do so.”
“I mostly spend my time reading for school,” freshman Gianna Iovino said. “But whenever I have the time, I enjoy reading mystery novels for fun.
Reading is beneficial for cognitive and communication skills. Enhancing one’s critical and analytical thinking, it also improves people’s vocabulary, language command and communication skills.
In addition, reading not only broadens one’s imagination and enhances their creativity, but also expands knowledge and improves focus and concentration.
“I think reading is invaluable for a multitude of reasons,” librarian Ms. Suzanne Osman said. “You can learn new information, as well as how to care about and understand others when you see the world through a character’s or author’s eyes. You can find interesting conversation topics to discuss when out with friends, or on a date, or at a holiday party. By reading, you can fill time when you are bored, and can additionally become a better writer.”
The gradual decline in reading among Americans poses a challenge to individuals affected by this trend, as well as to society as a whole.
Although it can be difficult to incorporate a new activity into one’s daily life, there are many strategies that people can employ in order to improve their reading habits.
“I suggest finding something in their interest to read,” Ms. Hasa said. “There are great materials for any subject. Maybe reflecting a bit on how the reading act impacts them.”
A few other recommended strategies include defining one’s purpose for reading. Setting a reading goal and finding a quiet place to avoid disruptions can help one remain focused on accomplishing the set goal.
It’s also important to remember that reading is not meant to be a chore. By giving up books that the reader does not enjoy, they can free up time for books that do hold their interests.
“Well, I don’t read a lot and I am kind of picky with the books I choose to read,” freshman Genrikh Kovalchuk said. “But I do have a few books I like and have read more than once, including ‘White Fang,’ ‘The Only Thing To Fear,’ ‘The Hunger Games’ and ‘Dive.’”
“I love some of the books I teach such as ‘1984,’ ‘Brave New World,’ ‘The Sun Also Rises’ and ‘The Great Gatsby’ — I think they are so important,” Ms. Hasa said. “One of my favorites has always been ‘Les Miserables’ by Victor Hugo, a story that invites all ages and covers a wide gamut of issues. A couple other ones are ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen and ‘Never Let Me Go’ by Kazuo Ishiguro.’”
Audiobook trends have significantly increased over the past few years, especially among younger audiences. Roughly 48 percent of listeners are under the age of 35. This brings into question the idea of whether audiobooks or physical books are more effective resources. Various case studies have brought to light that neither reading physical books nor listening to audiobooks is necessarily better or worse in regards to reading comprehension — it is simply a matter of preference.
“I enjoy reading books,” Ms. Hasa said. “I appreciate having the chance to read something at my own pace, in my own voice; having also the chance to go back to a difficult passage or reread something beautifully expressed several times, to capture and enjoy its aesthetic effect. It makes for a great, substantial experience.
“I think sometimes those that use audiobooks miss out on this experience. But I think more important than how we receive the stories or the knowledge, through reading or listening, is what we read or listen to; the value of it.
“I would advise students to find a novel or a book they are interested in, to find a quiet corner and be with the book even for just 15 minutes a day. There is something wonderful in the intimacy you form with the story and the characters. You experience what they experience in your safe corner, you see the world from their point of view and without realizing you grow more and understand better.
“It feels great to return to that corner every day knowing the characters wait faithfully for you to make them come alive in your mind and heart.”
