Editor’s note: We’re looking for a variety of young voices to contribute to “Hits Different.” If you’d like to write a commentary, send it to Area Editor Jason Hennington at jason.hennington@ granitemediapartners. com.
Do you remember the last thing you read? Was it a caption on a video you just scrolled past? A road sign? The time on your phone? Reading is all around us. We need it to basically do everything. But how does that compare to today‘s technology- based society?
I believe books and other written publications in print are still very necessary for an educated society.
First of all, books can provide far more details and descriptions than any old YouTube video or TikTok. When you watch a video, are you looking at what’s in the background, or are you just trying to pay attention to what the speaker is saying? Books can explore what’s outside of the frame and behind the camera.
YouTube and other internet videos only show what they allow in the picture, while books can describe more of the setting and context without a time limit. For example, the Harry Potter movie series was good, but the films still left out a lot the books included, like much of Dumbledore’s backstory, and some of the characters were different onscreen than they were written in the book.
Secondly, reading is a life skill that helps improve attention spans and focus for everyday life. When you read, even if it’s just 20 minutes at a time, you use a part of your brain that improves not only your attention span and focus but exercises your mind. Just like working out to build your muscles, reading enhances your mental strength.
Also, you need reading for almost everything in life: curriculum, road signs, work, emails, labels and so much more. Although some may argue not everyone can read due to dyslexia or blindness, audiobooks are available through services including Audible, iTunes, Spotify, etc. So even by listening to what originally originated with a book or other written publication is still relevant for anyone.
Books and written publications are still very necessary for an educated society because these informative vehicles provide better details and descriptions about a topic.
In addition, reading is a life skill that helps with focus and attention spans.
Reading is all around us. Even with the growth of technology in today’s society, nothing can compare to how important it is that students and future generations know how to read.
Of course, nothing can replace the way it feels to get lost in a good book.
