Why People No Longer Read Books | Between the Lines with Palki Sharma

Firstpost

3 Sept 202308:26

Summary

TLDRThis video script serves as an obituary for the written word, reflecting on the decline of reading in the digital age. It highlights how distractions like smartphones and social media have reduced the time spent on books. Despite this, the script notes a slight resurgence in reading during the pandemic and a shift towards self-help and personal development books in India. It emphasizes the irreplaceable joy of reading and calls for a return to the habit, suggesting that the love for books might yet defy the trend.

Takeaways

📚 The script serves as an 'obituary' for the written word, reflecting on the decline of reading books in the digital age.
🌐 The global trend shows a significant reduction in the time spent reading books, with many people not picking up a book for days, months, or even years.
📈 The script highlights the historical significance of books, from the first printed book, the Diamond Sutra, to the Gutenberg Bible and the best-selling book, the Bible.
📉 There's a noted decrease in reading among the younger generation, with only 26% of under-18s reading daily according to a 2019 survey.
📱 The rise of digital addiction, particularly smartphone usage, is identified as a major factor contributing to the decline in reading habits.
📊 The pandemic saw a temporary increase in reading as people were at home, but this was not sustained post-pandemic.
📖 In India, the shift towards reading self-help and personal development books post-pandemic is seen as a positive change.
📉 Global book sales have declined, with 2022 seeing a more than 10% drop compared to 2021, and the lowest revenue in five years.
🏪 Bookstores are closing at an alarming rate, especially in countries like Japan, where there's been a 30% drop since 2012.
🔍 Despite the decline, there's hope that the experience of reading a book cannot be replaced by short social media posts or videos, and there's a call to action for people to continue reading.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video script?
-The main theme of the video script is the decline of reading books and the impact of digital media on the reading habits of people.
When was the first printed book, the Diamond Sutra, created?
-The Diamond Sutra was printed on 11th May in 868 A.D.
What is the significance of the Gutenberg Bible in the history of books?
-The Gutenberg Bible is significant as it was the first mass-produced book, marking a major milestone in the history of printing and the dissemination of knowledge.
Which book has sold the most copies worldwide?
-The Bible is the best-selling book ever, with more than seven billion copies sold.
What is the most expensive book ever sold, and who purchased it?
-The most expensive book ever sold is the Codex Leicester, which is Leonardo da Vinci's science diary, purchased by Bill Gates in 1994 for 30.8 million dollars.
How did the pandemic affect reading habits according to the script?
-The pandemic saw a shift in reading habits, with people spending more time at home and many taking to reading books, leading to an increase in the average time spent reading in the US from 19 to 20 minutes in 2020.
What is the current trend in book sales according to the script?
-Global book sales were down by more than 10% compared to the previous year, and the global revenue was the lowest in five years, indicating a decline in the traditional book market.
Why are bookstores closing at an alarming rate in some countries, as mentioned in the script?
-Bookstores are closing at an alarming rate in some countries due to the shift towards online book purchases, e-books, and audiobooks, as well as the decline in traditional reading habits.
What is the impact of social media and digital media on reading, as discussed in the script?
-Social media and digital media are impacting reading by reducing attention spans and promoting instant gratification, which leaves little room for the quiet contemplation that books offer.
What is the script's stance on the future of reading?
-While the script acknowledges the decline in traditional reading, it also suggests that there is hope, as some people continue to read physical books and the value of reading is irreplaceable for understanding intricate plots and exploring human emotions.
How does the script encourage viewers to engage with books?
-The script encourages viewers to pick up a book and share what they are reading, emphasizing the unique experience that books provide compared to digital media.

Outlines

00:00

📚 The Decline of Reading and the Written Word

The script begins by highlighting the rarity of reading in the modern world, where distractions like phones and TVs have largely replaced the act of reading books. It poses the question of when was the last time the audience read a book without any distractions. The paragraph discusses the historical significance of books, from the first printed book, the Diamond Sutra, to the Gutenberg Bible, and the evolution of book formats. It also mentions the Bible as the best-selling book and the Codex Leicester as the most expensive book. The paragraph concludes by pointing out the decline in reading habits, especially among younger generations, due to digital addiction and the rise of social media.

05:01

📉 Shifts in Reading Trends and the Impact of Technology

This paragraph delves into the changes in reading habits post-pandemic, particularly among urban Indians who have shown an increased interest in self-help and personal development books. It contrasts the decline in book sales globally and the challenges faced by publishers and bookstores, such as closures and layoffs. The paragraph emphasizes the shift towards online book purchases, e-books, and audiobooks, and the cultural shift away from traditional reading. It also touches on the instant gratification provided by social media and short-form content, which has diminished the time and attention people give to reading books. The paragraph ends on a hopeful note, suggesting that the experience of reading a book is irreplaceable and that there are still those who value and continue to read physical books.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Obituary

An obituary is a news article or announcement that reports the recent death of a person, typically including a brief biography and details about the funeral. In the context of the video, the term is metaphorically used to signify the perceived decline or 'death' of the written word and books. The script begins with the idea of an obituary for books, suggesting that reading and the physical book are becoming obsolete.

💡Digital Addiction

Digital addiction refers to the compulsive use of digital devices, particularly smartphones and social media, which can lead to a decrease in other activities and an overall negative impact on one's life. The video discusses how digital addiction is one of the primary reasons for the decline in reading books, as people are more engrossed in their digital devices than in picking up a book.

💡Printed Word

The printed word refers to text that has been mechanically reproduced, as opposed to handwritten or typed. The video script mentions the history of the printed word, starting from the Diamond Sutra to the Gutenberg Bible, highlighting the evolution of book printing and its significance in the spread of knowledge and literature.

💡Bookstore

A bookstore is a retail establishment that sells books. The script laments the decline in physical bookstores, suggesting that they are 'shutting shop' due to the rise of digital media and online book sales, which is indicative of the changing landscape of reading habits.

💡Reading

Reading is the process of looking at and comprehending the meaning of written or printed text. The video emphasizes the importance of reading as a solitary and immersive activity that is being overshadowed by digital distractions. It contrasts the deep engagement of reading with the superficial skimming of social media content.

💡Harry Potter Series

The Harry Potter series is a popular set of fantasy novels written by J.K. Rowling. The video uses the series as an example of the impact of books on readers, noting the immense popularity and sales of the books, which have left a significant cultural footprint.

💡Self-Help Books

Self-help books are non-fiction books that aim to help readers solve personal problems or improve their lives. The script mentions that in India, there has been a shift towards reading self-help and personal development books, suggesting a change in reading preferences and the ongoing relevance of books in certain genres.

💡Global Book Sales

Global book sales refer to the worldwide revenue generated from the sale of books. The video cites a decline in global book sales, indicating a broader trend of reduced interest in traditional book reading and the challenges faced by the publishing industry.

💡Instant Gratification

Instant gratification is the desire to fulfill one's desires or achieve satisfaction quickly, often seeking immediate rewards or pleasure. The video discusses how the instant gratification provided by social media, short videos, and other digital content is competing with the slower, more contemplative experience of reading a book.

💡Codex Leicester

The Codex Leicester is a collection of scientific writings and drawings by Leonardo da Vinci. It is mentioned in the script as an example of the most expensive book ever sold, highlighting the value and prestige that can be associated with rare and historically significant books.

💡Gutenberg Bible

The Gutenberg Bible is one of the earliest major books printed using mass-produced movable metal type in Europe. It is highlighted in the video as a significant milestone in the history of the printed word, showcasing the impact of the printing press on the dissemination of books and knowledge.

Highlights

The obituary is for the written word, suggesting a decline in reading books.

Reading books has become less frequent for many, with some not picking up a book for days, months, or even years.

The first ever printed book was the Diamond Sutra, dating back to 868 A.D.

The Gutenberg Bible was the first mass-produced book, marking a significant advancement in printing.

Paperbacks were popular among students and the working class due to their affordability.

The Bible is the best-selling book of all time, with over seven billion copies sold.

The most expensive book ever is Leonardo da Vinci's Codex Leicester, purchased by Bill Gates for 30.8 million dollars.

The Harry Potter series sold millions of copies, with the books' length able to circle the equator 16 times if placed end to end.

Books have been integral to many people's childhoods, sparking imagination and curiosity.

Digital addiction is a significant factor contributing to the decline in reading habits.

A study found that teens struggle to focus on homework for more than two minutes without digital distractions.

In 2019, only 26 percent of individuals under 18 were reading every day, indicating a significant drop in reading rates.

The pandemic saw a temporary increase in reading as people spent more time at home.

In 2021, the average American read 12.6 books, down from 15.6 in 2016, showing a continued decline in reading habits.

More than 50 percent of adults did not finish a single book in 2021, highlighting a stark trend.

In India, post-pandemic, there's a shift towards reading self-help and personal development books, especially among urban readers.

Global book sales in 2022 were down by more than 10 percent compared to 2021, with revenue being the lowest in five years.

Bookstores are closing at an alarming rate, with Japan experiencing a 30 percent drop since 2012.

Reading a book requires unplugging from digital distractions, which is becoming increasingly difficult in the modern world.

Despite the challenges, there is hope for reading as some continue to read physical books and find value in the experience.