By By Ogunbowale, Tolulope Sobiye
It has been observed that many people can spend hours scrolling through social media but struggle to read a few pages of a book. We know the latest trends, celebrities and viral videos, yet many of us cannot remember the last book we finished. Isn’t that a cause for concern? Books were once trusted companions that opened our minds, sharpened our thinking and inspired great ideas. Today, however, they are gradually being replaced by endless notifications and short videos. If reading is the foundation of knowledge, why are so many people turning away from it? More importantly, who is responsible for the decline of reading culture? Is it technology, parents, schools, the government or young people themselves? The truth is that no single person or group should carry the blame. We all have a role to play.
One of the biggest causes of this decline is the alarming addiction to smartphones and social media. Many young people spend several hours every day chatting online, watching videos or keeping up with trends. While technology has made life easier, every rose has its thorn. The same devices that provide information can also become major distractions. When entertainment replaces learning, reading naturally suffers.
The lack of reading habits at home is another cause. Many children grow up in homes where books are rarely seen. Instead of reading bedtime stories or buying storybooks, some parents hand their children phones or tablets to keep them occupied. As the saying goes, charity begins at home. Children often copy what they see. If parents enjoy reading, their children are more likely to do the same.
Schools are not free from blame either. In many schools, students read mainly to pass examinations instead of reading to gain knowledge. Some libraries are poorly equipped, while reading clubs are inactive or do not exist at all. When students see reading as a punishment rather than a pleasure, they gradually lose interest in it.
The high cost of books and the shortage of public libraries have also contributed to the problem. Many families cannot afford quality books and some communities have no libraries where people can read freely. Without access to books, how can people develop a lasting reading habit?
The effects of this declining culture are serious. One major effect is poor communication. Reading helps people build their vocabulary, improve their writing and express themselves with confidence. Those who read regularly often communicate more effectively than those who do not. After all, empty vessels make the loudest noise, but informed minds speak with wisdom.
Poor academic performance could also be an effect. Reading strengthens understanding, critical thinking, and creativity. Students who avoid reading often struggle to understand difficult ideas and perform well in school. Can anyone expect to succeed academically without making time to learn?
The decline in reading culture also affects society. People who do not read widely may find it difficult to separate facts from falsehood. This makes them more likely to believe rumours, fake news and misleading information. A society that reads less, also thinks less deeply and that is dangerous for national development.
Thankfully, the situation can be salvaged. Parents should create a reading culture at home by buying books and setting aside time for family reading. Schools should organise book clubs, reading competitions and library activities that make reading enjoyable rather than stressful. Governments and private organisations should build more libraries, support literacy programmes and make books more affordable. Young people must also take responsibility by reducing unnecessary screen time and making reading a daily habit. Little drops of water make a mighty ocean. Even thirty minutes of reading each day can produce remarkable results over time.
The decline of reading culture did not happen overnight, and it will not disappear overnight. Restoring it requires the efforts of parents, teachers, schools, governments, communities and individuals. The question is no longer, “Who is responsible?” The real question is, “Who is willing to be part of the solution?” Every book we read expands our knowledge, shapes our character, and prepares us for greater opportunities. As the popular saying goes, readers are leaders. If we choose to make reading a priority again, we will build wiser individuals, stronger communities, and a brighter future. The next chapter of our society begins when we open the next page of a good book. So, who is willing to open the first page of a good book?
