This is an AI translated post.
Select Language
Summarized by durumis AI
- As reading has become a hip and cool image among Gen Z, a new term, 'text hip' has emerged, and the sales of paper books are increasing.
- However, this phenomenon is driven more by the purpose of showing off than by the true joy of reading, and can be interpreted in a similar context to visiting art museums.
- The author takes a positive view of this phenomenon, suggesting ways to maintain consistent reading and emphasizing the importance of reading.
The image of reading being hip and cool is ingrained.
Even ostentatious reading is a positive phenomenon.
Effort is needed to read consistently.
Last year, paper book sales in the UK reached a record high of 669 million copies. The reason was simple. "Reading is so sexy!" Reading paper books became a hip image and trend among Generation Z in the UK.
Korea is also seeing a trend where "reading" is becoming a "hip and cool" image. With the term "text hip" emerging, Generation Z is starting to seek out books.
The current trend of reading is not for genuine enjoyment but for "ostentatious" purposes. Reading a paper book when everyone else is watching Reels and Shorts is very rare, and therefore, reading gives off an image of being "someone special", and people want that image, using books for that purpose.
It's similar to going to an art museum not to appreciate the artwork, but to take an Instagrammable photo and show off, "I'm someone who does these cultural activities".
Some express concerns and criticize this trend, but I think differently. I am very happy that Generation Z is getting closer to books, regardless of why they started.
According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's "2023 National Reading Survey", 6 out of 10 adults in Korea did not read a single book last year. In light of this reality, Generation Z's reading trend can be considered a ray of hope.
Even if it's for show, I hope that more people get closer to books and experience the true joy of reading. In this article, I'd like to talk about ways to read consistently.
First, I recommend joining a reading club. It can be difficult to start reading on your own, so let's get help from a club. Joining a reading club allows you to read the same book and discuss it with various people, making your enjoyment of the book richer.
If you want to join the "text hip" trend and read consistently, try keeping a "reading record" on social media. Share your reading records on various platforms like blogs, Instagram, and TikTok, and communicate with others. "Booktok" is currently trending on TikTok. Why not become a book creator by making short videos about the books you read and sharing them? Booktok is a newly emerging trend, so now is the time to become a book creator. Keep a record on multiple platforms for consistent reading.
Once you experience the deep flavor of books, consistent reading becomes possible. I recommend "reading with underlines and copying". As you read, underline important sentences or passages that resonate with you, and write them down in a notebook. Copying helps you understand and remember the content of the book more deeply. Also, if you want to join text hip, proudly upload the sentences you copied by hand onto your SNS.
If you find it hard to set aside time, consider buying an "e-book reader". E-book readers are light, so they are useful when you want to read on the go or during short periods. Also, e-book readers are a must-have for hardcore book lovers, so if you want the "book lover image", buy one.
To read consistently, I recommend starting with "books in your area of interest". Starting with books on topics or areas you are interested in, rather than books that are trending on SNS, makes it easier to get interested in reading.
It is also important to create a comfortable reading environment where you can concentrate. Create a clean reading space with a quiet space, a comfortable chair, and appropriate lighting. If you have a dedicated reading space, you will naturally spend more time reading.
Finally, if you are still hesitant about getting into paper books, try starting with audiobooks. My recommended YouTube channel is "Chakhanminguk," which has a pleasant voice that makes it easy to listen to before bed. If you want to do "ostentatious reading," capture a YouTube video about reading and post it on your Instagram story with a few lines of your thoughts.
Whether you started with ostentation or someone's recommendation, what does it matter? It's the start that matters, the fact that you picked up a book. Reading is an important activity that enriches our lives. Even if it's for show, I hope more people get closer to books and experience the true joy of reading.
※ This is written by me, and it is a contribution to the Woman Economy Newspaper.I copied it.
