KUCHING: In an era where technology is rapidly evolving, the way people consume information has shifted from traditional reading habits to fast, digital-first access across multiple platforms.
Academicians who have observed shifting interest trends in reading, emphasise that such interest should be instilled from education institutions through the guidance of teachers and lecturers who play a key role in nurturing reading habits early.
Sarawak Tribune spoke to several academicians to gain further insight into these changes.
Muhamad Nasarudin Sulaiman, 33, a lecturer from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Mukah explained that it is evident that the rise of technology has influenced students’ attention span.
“These days people tend to read online with some of them reading educational and informative articles.
“However, the younger generation appeal is more towards lifestyle content, by reading short posts online and just skimming through headlines, tending to the fast-paced lifestyle we are currently in compared to 10 years ago,” he said.
He also said that his students only read when they have to, such as to complete their assignment or to research on a certain topic asked by the lecturer.
“Students nowadays no longer read in a linear manner, often switching between entertainment applications, which affects their ability to focus on academic reading.
“They would struggle with a 20 page article but easily understand information delivered in a two minute video,”he said.
However, he also said that the technology evolution brings many benefits towards reading and the younger generation, where they are exposed to many ideas, have easier access to information, and also participate in online reading communities.
A teacher from SK Sungai Pinang, Simunjan, Khoo Choon Lian, 57, also has similar concerns about children nowadays doing less reading than before, noting that they will only read when asked to.
“I think the contributing factors to these changes in reading habits could be due to them being glued to digital devices with various entertaining video applications available,” she said.
She shared practical steps that can be taken to cultivate and strengthen a reading culture within the community.
“Reading campaigns can be carried out with free books provided with a reading corner, as well as doing a book exhibition for newly published books and giving incentives to those who read a lot,” she said.
Murni Gaik, 37, who is also a teacher at a primary school explains that the trend of reading is more obvious among remedial pupils who struggle with writing and reading.
“They tend to prefer visual and audio materials rather than reading text, with the main drivers being easy access to mobile devices, limited availability of interesting books, and the influence of entertainment-based media,” she said.
She noted that reading interest is declining among young children, especially those with weak basic literacy skills as they often expect instant understanding and may give up easily when reading becomes difficult.
Due to the appeal of digital entertainment and limited reading support, she emphasises school reading programmes to build pupils’ confidence and interest in reading.
“Students show improvement when supported by teachers or school reading programmes, as simple, colourful, and level-appropriate materials help spark their interest
“We should also utilise digital tools available such as interactive reading apps, strengthen school libraries and create reading corners in classrooms,” she said.
Murni said these initiatives need everyone’s collective effort to cultivate a reading interest among students.
She encouraged parents to be involved through simple activities like listening to their children read, while teachers focus on building confidence so pupils feel successful in reading and are more likely to develop and sustain interest.
“Reading habits in communities are changing, but with the right support, especially for remedial pupils, we can still build a strong and lasting reading culture,” she added.
