Obsolete! It is a term that describes something outdated, outmoded, and old-fashioned. If you were to think of something obsolete, I bet you would think of the telegraph, the typewriter, the hourglass, and the quill pen. Unequivocally, these aforementioned technologies have become outdated with little or no use of them in many terrains.

However, in the current digital age, the use of the word obsolete is becoming less frequently employed for physical things but more for intellectual exercises such as critical thinking, and more importantly, Reading.

Let me ask you a question: when was the last time you read a book or saw someone with a book?

For many, the answers will range from days to weeks to even years. Many have gradually walked the act of reading out of their daily schedules. The once-alluring endeavor of reveling in the imaginative world that books transport their readers to is now becoming obsolete, especially among the current generation of children – the so-called Generation Alpha. The rhythmic taps of fingers against a touchscreen, the frequent pings of notifications, and the mesmerizing glow of a screen held inches from the face are now the defining features of our digital age. 

Scarcely can the current generation – Generation Alpha, the first generation born entirely in the 21st century – imagine a world where the cold glow of a screen is replaced by the comforting weight of a book on their hands, and at the current rate, there is no doubt an obituary for reading is the offing. This is the reality facing Generation Alpha, where technology’s impact on reading habits raises concerns about its future.

A quick question: have you read a book today?

The question feels quaint in a world dominated by digital addiction, but why won’t it? Studies paint a worrying picture: only 26% of under-18s read daily. Social media, with its endless scroll and dopamine rewards, feasts on our attention spans, leaving little room for the sustained focus required for deep reading and thus leaves books gathering dust on shelves.

Our technology addiction is dealing damaging blows to the glory of reading, the flame that has illuminated our lives for centuries, and the dastardly impacts will be multifaceted and grossly unpalatable if we continue to watch without intervening. 

The diminishing love for reading erodes focus, affects education, personal growth, and relationships, and even threatens the very glory of books: their ability to transport us, challenge us, and ignite our imaginations. But is all hope already lost? No. Many young minds still crave the richness and depth offered by books.

The key lies in reigniting the glory of reading, making it relevant and engaging in a digital world. By the way, Technology isn’t the enemy; it’s a tool. We can leverage its strengths – accessibility, interactivity, and community – to reignite the passion for reading.

A few ways to salvage the practice of reading…

Reclaim the power of libraries: These havens of knowledge must become vibrant community centers, offering not just books but author events, writing workshops, and digital literacy programs tailored for younger generations. They can transform into vibrant hubs that create a welcoming space for exploration and community.

Embrace technology as a tool, not a tyrant: By embracing innovation, we can create a digital ecosystem that nurtures a love for reading in Gen Alpha. Technological features such as audiobooks, interactive ebooks, and educational apps can be used to make reading a fun and accessible experience.

Lead by example: Parents and educators must model a love for reading, carving out dedicated reading time free from distractions. If parents of Gen Alpha kids don’t place premium value on reading, their kids are undoubtedly bound to be blind to the relevance of reading.

Celebrate the written word: Encourage book clubs, writing contests, and storytelling sessions to foster a culture of shared literary experiences.

Reading as an exercise has transcended generations. We must ensure that the stories that have shaped the world of Baby Boomers up to Gen Z continue to inspire and ignite the imaginations of generations to come. And, to achieve this, we must kindle the love of getting lost in a book in the first truly digital generation.

Yetunde Akinlaja

Yetunde is smart, kind, and has a lovable personality. A constant learner with an impressive work ethic and terrific creative skills. She is devoted to personal and spiritual growth and she cherishes the company of people, books, and nature.