It’s no secret that many young people today are reading less than previous generations. As the world becomes increasingly digital, with content available at the swipe of a finger, the allure of books seems to be fading. But is it fair to blame instant gratification for this shift? 

We live in an age of instant rewards. Want entertainment? Scroll through TikTok for 30-second bursts of dopamine. Hungry? Tap a food delivery app, and your meal is on its way. Need an answer? Google it in seconds. The problem isn’t the convenience—it’s the conditioning. Young people are growing up in a world where patience is becoming obsolete, and reading, which requires focus and delayed satisfaction, is struggling to compete.

Reading a book demands time and attention—two things that feel increasingly scarce. The commitment to turn page after page, visualise the story, and absorb complex ideas contrasts sharply with the quick hits of gratification offered by social media and streaming platforms.

According to a recent survey, the number of teens who read for pleasure daily has dropped significantly over the past decade. Instead, they’re spending hours consuming bite-sized content that’s designed to be addictive.

Why Reading Still Matters
While the allure of instant gratification is strong, the benefits of reading remain unparalleled!

• Deep Focus: Books teach us how to concentrate for extended periods, a skill increasingly rare in today’s multitasking culture.
• Critical Thinking: Reading fosters analytical skills and encourages us to question and explore complex ideas.
• Empathy: Stories help us see the world through someone else’s eyes, building emotional intelligence.
• Stress Relief: Unlike the constant buzz of notifications, reading allows us to unplug and find solace in a different world.

Can Reading Coexist with Instant Gratification?
Absolutely! The challenge lies in making books accessible and appealing to young readers:

• Digital Libraries: E-books and audiobooks provide a bridge between traditional reading and modern technology.
• Shorter Formats: Novellas, graphic novels, and serialized stories can cater to shorter attention spans while still delivering rich content.
• Social Media for Books: Platforms like BookTok are showing that digital spaces can reignite a love for reading by making it social and relatable.

Parents, educators, and publishers can play a significant role in rekindling the reading habit among youngsters. Starting early is crucial; introducing children to books as a source of fun, not just education, helps cultivate a love for reading. Adults must also lead by example—youngsters are far more likely to pick up a book if they see those around them enjoying reading. Additionally, gamifying the reading experience can make it more engaging. Challenges, rewards, or apps that make reading interactive and fun are excellent ways to capture young minds and keep them hooked on books.

While instant gratification poses a challenge to traditional reading habits, it doesn’t have to signal the end of books. By adapting to modern lifestyles and showing young people the unique joys of reading, we can ensure that the magic of books continues to inspire future generations. After all, no 30-second video can replace the depth and impact of a well-told story. 

Sheranga
As a parent, I’ve definitely noticed my kids gravitating more toward their screens than their books. It’s hard to compete with the constant buzz of social media.

Zaid
I think the biggest problem is that schools make reading feel boring. We’re forced to read these ‘classics’ that don’t feel relevant to us, and it sucks all the fun out of it. I wish teachers would let us choose books that we actually like. When I finally read something that I picked for myself, I remembered why I used to love reading. It’s not about instant gratification—it’s about finding stories that speak to us.

Charith
My son used to be glued to his video games. But I discovered that introducing books that matched his gaming interests—like fantasy or sci-fi—made a big difference. Now he’s hooked on series like Percy Jackson and The Hunger Games. I think we need to meet kids where they are and show them that books can be just as exciting as their other hobbies.

Divya
I’m not going to lie—I used to love reading as a kid, but now it just feels like so much effort. Watching a show or scrolling is easier after a long day at school. But when I do pick up a book, I actually enjoy it—I just need a push to start.

Laila
I’ve been trying to lead by example. I started reading every night before bed instead of being on my phone, and it’s amazing how my 13-year-old now joins me with her own book. It's a small step, but it’s working.

Kyle
I think it’s not just instant gratification; it’s also the pressure from school. Reading for fun feels like extra homework. Maybe if we weren’t so overloaded, we’d have the mental space to enjoy books again.

Tash
Interestingly, movies based on books got me back into reading. After seeing the premise, I was curious how an author would flesh out the characters. Once I started, I was hooked before I realised.

RG
I feel like a lot of adults think we don’t read because we’re lazy, but that’s not true. There’s so much pressure from schoolwork, extracurriculars, and social media that by the time I have free time, I just want something easy to unwind. Reading feels like it takes effort that I don’t always have the energy for. But when I find a book that really grabs my attention, I’ll stay up all night reading it. It’s not that we don’t want to read—it’s just hard to compete with everything else going on in our lives.

Diren
Graphic novels have been a game-changer for my younger kids. They’re still reading, but the visual element keeps them engaged. I think we need to embrace all forms of storytelling to keep kids interested. 

Ziyana
Honestly, I don’t think reading is dead for teens; it’s just changing. We’re still consuming stories but in new formats like podcasts or web comics. Maybe adults need to redefine what ‘reading’ looks like.

Mano
I actually think technology can help with reading if used the right way. For example, I love using apps like Kindle or Audible because I can read or listen to books on the go. Sometimes it’s not about choosing books over screens—it’s about combining the two.