The 'Scroll Culture' Phenomenon: Why Is It Hard for Young People to Finish a Book?

 

image by Microsoft Bing

Digital culture has changed many aspects of daily life, including how young people consume information. The phenomenon of "scroll culture", constantly scrolling through social media and various digital platforms, has become a dominant habit among today’s youth. They’re used to getting information quickly and instantly, often through short, visually appealing, and easy-to-digest content. However, this habit seems to have a side effect: declining interest in reading books. Many young people admit they struggle to finish a single book, even when it’s one they picked out themselves. Why does this happen? Why does scroll culture make young people lose interest in deep, immersive reading?

One of the main reasons scroll culture affects the ability to read books is because of the condensed and straightforward nature of digital content. On platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, information is presented in bite-sized snippets that make it easy for users to quickly grasp the main point. When young people get used to this format, reading a book feels much “heavier” and more time-consuming. Books (especially novels or complex nonfiction) require sustained attention and deeper comprehension to capture the full meaning of the story or ideas. This difference makes reading books feel like a hard, or even boring, task compared to digital content.

Additionally, instant gratification has shaped the way young people consume information. When they see a post or short video on social media, they instantly feel entertained or informed without having to wait. In a matter of seconds, they can switch to a new, engaging piece of content. In contrast, books require more commitment and patience to reach a climactic point or achieve full understanding. When young people are used to instant satisfaction, reading, which takes more time, starts to seem less appealing and even exhausting.

Another factor driving this trend is the algorithms used by digital platforms. Apps like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube constantly show content that aligns with users' interests, encouraging them to keep scrolling endlessly. This creates the illusion that there’s always new content waiting to be explored. As a result, it becomes harder to focus on activities that require long-term attention, like reading a book. Even when they start reading, the urge to check notifications or scroll through social media often makes it difficult to finish.

Moreover, the habit of reading short content has reduced attention spans among young people. Studies suggest that constant exposure to brief content can decrease a person’s ability to concentrate over extended periods. Many young people now find it challenging to stay focused on a single topic for a long time, as they’re used to quickly moving from one piece of content to another. This shortened attention span makes it harder to truly enjoy or understand longer, more complex books.

Books now also face competition from other, more interactive and visual forms of entertainment. Young people tend to prefer content that combines audio and visuals, like videos or podcasts, because they seem more engaging and easier to follow. When there are other media options that feel more exciting and convenient, books (which require focused attention and active imagination) start to seem less appealing. Young people are more likely to choose media that doesn’t demand as much mental effort or imagination.

However, there are ways to rekindle young people's interest in reading. One solution is to limit social media exposure periodically through a digital detox. Young people can try setting social media time limits or even turning off notifications for a few hours each day to focus on other activities, including reading books. This way, they can learn to appreciate activities that don’t rely on the rapid pace of digital content.

Another approach is to start with lighter reading. Instead of diving straight into thick or complex books, young people can begin with shorter books or stories that match their interests. Finding a genre or theme that truly captivates them can help them realize that reading can be fun and doesn’t have to be boring. Setting aside specific reading time each day can also gradually help build this habit.

In summary, scroll culture presents a real challenge for young people's interest in reading. This culture has fostered a habit of consuming information quickly and instantly, which makes reading books that require time and patience feel more difficult. However, with awareness and small steps to reduce dependence on social media, alongside building enjoyable reading habits, young people’s interest in reading can still be revived. Reading books isn’t just a way to pass time; it’s also a way to broaden knowledge, stimulate imagination, and develop deeper understanding.