KARACHI:
One of the most concerning trends among the youth today is that they no longer want to read. While technology has made information more accessible than ever before, many students now spend far more time on social media and entertainment platforms than they do reading books.
Reading plays a vital role in intellectual and personal development. It improves vocabulary and strengthens critical-thinking skills. Unfortunately, many students view reading as a burden rather than a source of knowledge and enjoyment. The growing dependence on short-form digital content has reduced attention spans and discouraged deeper engagement with literature. Social media platforms are specifically designed to keep users engaged through a constant stream of highly stimulating content. As students become accustomed to consuming information in a matter of seconds, many find it increasingly difficult to focus on longer forms of content that require patience and attention. The habit of scrolling from one video to another has encouraged instant gratification, making books seem slow. Consequently, many young people are losing the ability to engage deeply with complex ideas and arguments.
To address this, schools and parents should actively encourage the habit of reading. Libraries should be equipped with a wider variety of engaging books, and events such as reading competitions and literature festivals should be organised regularly. Most importantly, children should be encouraged to develop a love for reading from an early age. A society that reads is a society that learns and progresses. Reviving the habit of reading among young people is therefore essential for the nation’s future.
Haider Khayyum
Islamabad
