By: Ainur Aqidah Hamzah, Mohd Badrul Hisham Basro, Muhammad Aidil Fazli Samsuri

We are living in an era dominated by the digital screen. Despite the world ruled by screens, reading has evolved, seamlessly blending tradition with technology. As Cicero once said, “A room without books is like a body without a soul,” highlighting the essential role literature plays in our lives. Whether you prefer e-books or the feel of a physical book, the power of reading remains unshaken, shaping minds and cultures in exciting new ways. More than just a tool for knowledge, reading sparks joy and enriches our lives, proving its timeless value.

Reading habits have changed over generations. As we can see, younger generations are increasingly turning to gadgets for leisure reading and information seeking. Dayang Azimah (2021) pointed out that it completely alters the younger generation’s typical reading habits, since they are students always seeking out opportunities to fully benefit from the digital age. This trend, however, raises a question: How exactly is the technology we use to read changing the way we read? The rapid development and demands of the technology has reinforced the challenges of making reading habits consistent and grows intensively (Dayang Azimah, 2021). Digital devices supplement traditional paper books with ebooks and audiobooks, and at the same time, ubiquitous digital connection challenges focused reading (Spjeldnæs and Karlsen, 2022).

Maintaining the momentum of reading habits is essential, and there are several tips we can adopt to ensure we thrive. While gaining knowledge through reading may sometimes feel challenging, the benefits are undeniable. Fortunately, there are ideas that we can implement to make reading not only easier but more enjoyable. According to Priyanka (2024), there are some effective strategies that can be practiced to cultivate a reading habit in this digital era. One of the methods is to set reading goals. We can start small by aiming for just 10 minutes a day and may increase the time as we get comfortable with the routine. Incorporating reading into our daily routine helps establish it as a consistent practice. Besides, we can establish monthly goals such as finishing a certain number of books or exploring new genres. As we find our rhythm, we will develop a consistent habit of reading and also cultivate a deeper appreciation for literature that will make the journey of reading enjoyable and fulfilling.

Creating comfy reading space is one of the ways to nurture reading habits. We can design a cozy, well-lit space in our house that is free from distractions. This dedicated space also can be enhanced with comforting items like blankets or calming music which can help us associate it with relaxation and focus. Besides, we can choose interesting material by picking books or articles that genuinely interest us. This ensures that we feel enjoyable rather than obligatory. We can create a more personalized reading experience by exploring different genres and topics that will keep us motivated and eager to dive into our next book.

Other than that, to further support our reading habit, we can put limits on our screen time. To improve attention span and focus, we may reduce non-essential digital distractions and make it easier to immerse ourselves in a book. We can enhance our reading experience by joining a book club. Engaging in discussions not only deepens our understanding of the material but also fosters a sense of community and accountability. We may share our insights and perspectives with others to make the reading process more interactive.

Indeed, reading should inspire joy, not frustration in this digital era. The key is to make reading a pleasurable, engaging part of our daily lives. Spjeldnæs and Karlsen (2022) stated that the tablet broadens access to reading while still allowing for the reflection and thoughtfulness that a traditional book provides. Whether we are reading on a tablet or turning the pages of a physical book, doesn’t matter with the format, what matters is finding enjoyment in the process as it will make us have a consistent reading habit.

To sum up, by choosing topics that genuinely interest us, setting aside time for reading, and experimenting with different formats, we can make reading a habit that fits seamlessly into our digital lifestyle. Let’s embrace the convenience technology offers while preserving the simple joy of getting lost in a great book. Reading should always be a rewarding escape, not a task. So, practice the tips, just enjoy the journey, and let our reading habits flourish in this evolving digital world!

References:

1. Abang Yusof, D. A. (2021). Reading Habits Among Students in the Digital Era: Changes of Trends and Behaviors. Journal of Academic Library Management (AcLiM), 1(1), 43–54. https://doi.org/10.24191/ aclim.v1i1.5

2. Spjeldnæs, K., & Karlsen, F. (2022). How digital devices transform literary reading: The impact of e-books, audiobooks and online life on reading habits. New Media & Society, 26(8), 4808–4824. https://doi. org/10.1177/14614448221126168

3. S, P. (2024, June 27). The Joy of Reading: A guide to improving literacy skills and cultivating a love for books. Medium. https://medium. com/@priyanka.svpd/the-joy-ofreading-a-guide-to-improvingliteracy-skills-and-cultivating-a-lovefor-books-c97c0ca2ad59 

Tarikh Input: 19/05/2025 | Kemaskini: 19/05/2025 | amiruliqhmal