In today’s social media era, most of Gen Z do not read books. Instead, they spend a lot of time on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and other apps.

Millenials used to enjoy reading books, but the same cannot be said about Gen Z. Since they are used to short content like reels, short videos, and quick posts, many students’ attention span has been slowly decreasing. They don’t want to read long articles or full books because they find it hard to focus.

If this continues, the next generation (Gen Alpha) may grow up without experiencing the true magic of reading.

Benefits of reading for young minds

Social media and many other distractions are pulling Gen Z’s attention, but the sad part is that most of them are unaware of it. They don’t realise which skills are important in today’s world. Among all skills, one of the most essential is reading. Without reading, it’s difficult to gain knowledge or learn new things. 

Reading is crucial for Gen Z because it is needed almost everywhere. For example, if you want to study abroad, you need to take exams like IELTS, which has a reading section. Similarly, when preparing for SAT, strong reading skills are necessary to answer the questions correctly. Students who read books or articles find it easier to crack exams. 

Books: An alternative path to grow

Reading is not just about exams. If a student wants to improve their communication, they can read books like “The Art of Explanation” which can help them express their ideas better. Books provide so much support and knowledge that nothing else can replace them. As the proverb goes, “Books are our best friends” — this is true when you actually use them for help and guidance. 

Many students struggle with vocabulary, which makes reading, writing, and communication harder. Books can directly help them improve their vocabulary by exposing them to new words, new phrases and expressions. Most of the students think that reading books only means reading literature, but that’s not true. You can read any topic that interest you. For example, you can explore entrepreneurship, philosophy, economics, political issues, science fiction, or any other subject. Reading books on different topics helps you gain knowledge and broaden your understanding of the world. 

Ways to reconnect Gen Z with reading

The easiest way to reconnect Gen Z is to make them realise the benefits of reading and encourage and motivate them to read. People need to realise that reading is an essential skill today, and developing it will lead to growth rather than downfall. 

One excellent platform for improving reading and writing skills is “Medium”, where authors from different countries share their work. The interesting part is that you can not only read but also write and even earn money from your writing. If people like your content you may even get hired. This platform allows you to express your thoughts while improving your reading and writing abilities.

Other useful platforms include Problogger, Wix, Scripted, where you can read and write regularly. These platforms provide opportunities to develop reading habits enhance comprehension and build communication skills in an engaging way.

To this end, students may begin to realise how important reading is. Whether today or in the future, this skill is essential — not just for academics, but for a lifetime. Reading promotes personal growth, helps you learn new things that no one else may teach you, and can even become your comfort zone.

Make reading your strength and use it to improve your concentration. It not only leads to success but also opens up continues opportunities for growth. To start, dedicate just 30 minutes a day to reading — this small step can be the strong beginning of a lifelong habit.