Young Readers Struggle to Find Time for Books in Digital Age

In an age dominated by digital distractions, many young people are finding it increasingly difficult to make time for reading. This trend was illustrated by the experience of John Batista, who, at 22, reflects on his reading journey that began in Grade 10 with Becky Albertalli‘s novel, “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda.” Despite initially sparking his interest in literature, Batista now struggles to find the time to read for pleasure, citing the demands of school and work as obstacles. “Reading requires sustained effort, and I think people in my generation are just too busy,” he explained.

According to a Statistics Canada report from 2022, 42 percent of Canadians aged 15 to 24 spend at least 20 hours a week on general internet use. The same demographic frequently checks their smartphones, with nearly half reporting usage every 15 minutes. Although interest in literature persists—37 percent of Canadians aged 18 to 29 read between six and eleven books last year—many are prioritizing television, video games, and social media over traditional reading.

Distractions and Declining Attention Spans

Experts like Jason Boyd, an English professor at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), have noted that students today face significant challenges in maintaining focus amid constant notifications and distractions from their devices. “Even if they want to read, their phone is buzzing with notifications every few minutes, making it hard to concentrate,” Boyd said.

The rise of generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, has further complicated the landscape. A recent survey revealed that 60 percent of Canadian students in high school and university utilize these tools for their coursework, often bypassing traditional reading assignments. Boyd expressed concern about this trend, stating that it deprives students of the opportunity to develop essential skills for engaging with literature.

The impact of these changes is palpable, with some educators noting that many students have not read a book in years. Angela Misri, a novelist and journalism professor at TMU, emphasized the societal implications of this shift, warning that an inability to engage with stories may lead to a more impatient society, lacking understanding of diverse perspectives.

Combating the Trend with Engaging Literature

Despite the challenges, not all educators are alarmed. Arthur Redding, who teaches American literature at York University, believes the solution lies in demonstrating the inherent benefits of reading. “What I try to do is show them that reading is one of the few places in your life where you can generate pleasure and joy,” he stated. Redding aims to cultivate a love of literature by emphasizing its value as a source of empathy and self-understanding.

Educators are exploring innovative ways to engage students with literature. Natalie Neill, an English professor at York University, described her approach of breaking down reading assignments into manageable segments. By providing shorter texts, she encourages focused engagement with the material. Neill also highlights the importance of selecting relevant and compelling works, such as Robert Louis Stevenson‘s “Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde,” which offers rich themes for analysis.

Changing the literary canon is another strategy being employed. In Ontario, some high schools are replacing traditional texts like Shakespeare with works by Indigenous authors. At the university level, professors are mixing classic literature with contemporary voices, such as Percival Everett and Ocean Vuong, to resonate with younger audiences.

Despite the challenges, there are signs of hope. Jacob Alvarado, a 24-year-old poet based in Toronto, rediscovered his passion for literature while studying creative writing. “Things clicked when I discovered this rich tapestry of amazing authors we have coming out of this country,” he said. Alvarado’s experience suggests that young readers are still eager to engage with literature when given the right opportunities.

In conclusion, while young people today face significant distractions that challenge their reading habits, educators are adapting to encourage a deeper engagement with literature. By fostering environments where reading is celebrated and valued, it is possible to inspire a new generation of readers who appreciate the joys of storytelling.