By Genie H, a volunteer with the Edgemont Youth Press
“It is a truth universally acknowledged” that Gen Zers are chronically attached to their beloved hand-sized screens. With the average Gen Z spending 7 hours and 18 minutes on their phones daily, approximately one-third of a typical lifetime is spent away mindlessly scrolling. However, as disheartening as that may sound, a rising trend appears to be encouraging Gen Z to read more novels, adjusting the format of their leisure time activities from digital, blue light-emitting screens to the pages of a physical book. Potentially marking the beginning of a new era filled with avid readers, both book sales and borrowed library novel numbers have increased drastically since the pandemic.
Recently, it seems we have found a new and unique way to enjoy the things we do, which is to “romanticize” or “glamorize” an activity, so as it make it more endurable. Hence, people have been romanticizing everything from studying to reading, and for some, even their entire lives. Another aspect that has played a significant role in making books “appealing” again is BookTok—a TikTok subsection where people share their favourite novels.
Furthermore, influencers, celebrities, and models alike have been pushing the idea that “reading is cool” by promoting various novels or book clubs on their social media. For Gen Z, appearing “cool” is quite necessary, so seeing their role models endorse a certain book is enough to encourage them. Earlier this year, the Guardian wrote an article explaining how less than a day after a photograph of Kendall Jenner reading a book had been published, the novel was sold out on Amazon.
Despite the rise of reading being generally perceived as a positive step for Gen Z, there have been conversations about the deeper issue regarding overconsumption and unsustainability. With more people preferring to buy copies of certain trending books, only to read them once and have them collect dust on their bookshelves, these concerns certainly are valid. One solution would be to utilize libraries and build bookish communities. In addition, individuals are better bonded to others in their community by their love of reading, turning this into a win-win situation.
Fundamentally, there is a noted change in the very nature of how or why books tend to become “trendy.” Nevertheless, it is extremely beneficial for society to promote reading as an admirable activity for younger generations. Particularly for those of a carefree nature, to further encourage critical thinking skills and strengthen the progressing issue of short attention spans. Re-prioritizing reading is crucial in being valuable for numerous reasons. Sparking social connections through discussions, preventing the harmful impacts of social media, and even motivating students to venture outside their respective homes and into communal libraries. This new “reading is cool” trend is an inspiring example of an influential movement where people can harmonize over a shared subject. This national book month, let us all proactively attempt to read more.