[Hyung-ju Heo's Column] 'Text Hip': The Reading Craze Among Gen Z

Instilling an image of reading as hip and cool
Even ostentatious reading is a positive phenomenon
Efforts are needed to maintain consistent reading habits

Last year, the UK saw a record-breaking 669 million paperback books sold, reaching an all-time high. The reason was simple: “Reading is so sexy!” Reading paperbacks became a hip image and trend among Gen Z in the UK.

Similarly, in Korea, ‘reading’ has begun to establish itself as a ‘hip and cool’ image, leading to the emergence of the term ‘text hip’ and prompting Gen Z to seek out books.

The current reading trend is heavily driven by ‘ostentatious’ purposes rather than a genuine desire to enjoy books. Reading a paperback while everyone else is glued to their Reels or Shorts screens is a rare sight, and it gives off an image of being ‘someone special’. People want to embody this image and utilize books for that purpose.

This can be likened to visiting an art museum not to appreciate the artwork but to take a cool photo for social media and show off that ‘I am a person who engages in cultural activities.’

Some express concerns and criticism about this trend, but my perspective is different. I believe it is a very welcome development that Gen Z is getting closer to books, regardless of the initial reason.

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, Gen Z’s reading trend can be considered a welcome change.

Even if it’s for show, I hope that many people will get closer to books and discover the true joy of reading. In this column, I aim to discuss methods for maintaining consistent reading habits.

First, I recommend joining a reading club. Starting to read alone can be challenging, so consider seeking assistance from a club. Joining a reading club allows you to read the same book and discuss it with diverse individuals, enhancing your reading experience.

If you want to maintain consistent reading habits while embracing the ‘text hip’ trend, try documenting your reading on social media. Share your reading records on various platforms like blogs, Instagram, and TikTok and interact with others. Currently, ‘Booktok’ is trending on TikTok. Why not become a book creator by creating short video reviews of the books you read and sharing them? Booktok is an emerging trend, making now the opportune time to become a book creator. Record your reading across multiple platforms for continued engagement.

Once you experience the deep satisfaction of reading, maintaining consistent reading habits becomes easier. For this, I suggest ‘underlining while reading and copying out passages.’ While reading, underline important sentences or phrases that resonate with you, and rewrite them in a notebook. Copying out passages significantly helps in understanding and remembering the content of the book. Moreover, if you want to join the text hip trend, proudly showcase your handwritten excerpts on SNS.

If you find it difficult to set aside specific time for reading, consider ‘purchasing an e-reader.’ E-readers are lightweight, making them convenient for reading during commutes or short breaks. Moreover, e-readers are a must-have for avid book readers, so if you want to cultivate the image of a ‘book enthusiast,’ consider purchasing one.

To maintain consistent reading, I recommend starting with books within your ‘areas of interest.’ Instead of the books trending on SNS, start with books on topics or fields that pique your interest. This will make it easier to develop a liking for reading.

Creating a comfortable and conducive environment for reading is also crucial. Create a clean reading space equipped with a quiet area, comfortable chair, and appropriate lighting. Having a dedicated reading space will naturally increase your reading time.

Finally, if you are still hesitant to dive into physical books, consider starting with audiobooks. I recommend the YouTube channel ‘Chaekhanminguk’ (책한민국) as it features a pleasant voice that makes it easy to listen to before bed. If you’re aiming for ‘ostentatious reading,’ capture a screenshot of the audiobook and add a few lines of your thoughts to your Instagram story.

Whether you started with ostentation or someone’s recommendation, what truly matters? It’s the fact that you’ve picked up a book – that initial step is crucial. Reading is a vital activity that enriches our lives. Even if it’s for show, I hope that many people will get closer to books and discover the true joy of reading.

※ The author of this article is the original writer, andthis is a reposted article from Woman Economy Newspaper.