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Thread: Are we living in a society that is reading less?

  1. #21
    Senior Member pemberly's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by levendis d'orange View Post
    On the contrary, I think that people are reading and absorbing more information than previous generations. Text has moved beyond its archaic paper-form and is now manifesting in different format (audiobooks, cd-roms, blogs, cereal boxes, ect.) So what if certain "classics" aren't being read any more? Why blame the lack of readers when the books have failed to keep their relevance to a changing society.
    it's a sad state we're in if society can no longer relate to moby dick, but can relate to britney spears' blog.
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  2. #22
    Moderator Ken Cheng's Avatar
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    Actually, we're living in a society that's reading *more*. Don't forget: widespread literacy was not a reality in most parts of the world until the early 20th Century, and in many parts of the world today, it's *still* not a reality.

    We are indeed reading *differently* than we did a quarter century ago, relying more on electronic literature, but still holding on to traditional literature.

  3. #23
    Senior Member girllikeme's Avatar
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    It depends what 'reading' you are talking about. If you are talking about the simple old novels, autobiographies etc. etc. then certainly, society is reading less and less, though if you mean reading in general, our society is reading more and more.

    Just consider the amount of people that waste time on the net. They have to read all that stuff on the net.
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  4. #24
    Moderator Ken Cheng's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by girllikeme View Post
    It depends what 'reading' you are talking about. If you are talking about the simple old novels, autobiographies etc. etc. then certainly, society is reading less and less
    I'm not even sure about this. The bestseller lists are topped with novels and biographies (auto or otherwise), and book retailers and wholesalers are shifting more units than they ever have.

  5. #25
    Senior Member girllikeme's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ken Cheng View Post
    I'm not even sure about this. The bestseller lists are topped with novels and biographies (auto or otherwise), and book retailers and wholesalers are shifting more units than they ever have.
    I'm not sure either, but just from what I can observe, reading isn't such a popular hobby when technology and everything else was introduced. I mean, think about it: Back then, there was no electricity or technology whatsoever, so most people read.
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  6. #26
    Moderator Ken Cheng's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by girllikeme View Post
    I'm not sure either, but just from what I can observe, reading isn't such a popular hobby when technology and everything else was introduced. I mean, think about it: Back then, there was no electricity or technology whatsoever, so most people read.
    Actually, as fewer people were literate in those days, they engaged in more physical activity. If you look back at American society forty, fifty years ago, you find fewer obese people...especially among youth. More people were out there engaging in physical activity back then.

  7. #27
    Senior Member Raenon's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ken Cheng View Post
    I'm not even sure about this. The bestseller lists are topped with novels and biographies (auto or otherwise), and book retailers and wholesalers are shifting more units than they ever have.
    Quote Originally Posted by pemberly View Post
    it's a sad state we're in if society can no longer relate to moby dick, but can relate to britney spears' blog.
    People are not really reading lesser but rather the scope which they delved into for reading is getting more smaller and selective,instead of broad and well diversified They have certain preference and genre which they set for themselves to plunge and leave the other rocks unturned.Somehow,fictional novels are always preferred.Entertainment news,gossips news,fantasies are more of a concern rather than global news.

  8. #28
    Senior Member 0-0-0's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by yearning View Post
    I have a related question...and too lazy to open up a thread. Do you people feel 'smarter' reading classics?
    i don't feel smarter, but as someone mentioned, it does help with my expression. On the other hand, watching ads for big brother on tv make me feel like my IQ just dropped by 10 points, 20 if the ad is long, 50 if it's a sneak preview. Shows like that deserve to die.

    i guess some of us interpreted reading as reading novels/poetry/plays, while others interpreted it as reading in general.

  9. #29
    Senior Member Bangs's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by yearning View Post
    I have a related question...and too lazy to open up a thread. Do you people feel 'smarter' reading classics? I guess I'm too materialistic (that's not the right word but I think you get my idea), because I like to read classics just to make myself feel more adequate/smarter. I feel like I'm actually reading quality work and even if I don't enjoy it that much *cough* 100 Years of Solitude*cough*, I'll still finish it just to say that I've read it. Whereas I'm reluctant to admit if i've liked a popular book, i.e. guilty pleasure book.
    Reading something that is informative and educational will surely make you feel smarter. New, old, or ancient, doesn't matter how long the book existed, it is the content that counts.

  10. #30
    Senior Member Bangs's Avatar
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    Double post. Don't mind this.
    Last edited by Bangs; 10-06-07 at 05:06 PM.

  11. #31
    Senior Member Bangs's Avatar
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    Triple post. Sorry mods, my net lagged heavily and caused this. My apologies.
    Last edited by Bangs; 10-06-07 at 05:07 PM.

  12. #32
    Senior Member Nan Ling's Avatar
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    Compare to when I was younger I think I have been reading less books for leisure but recently, I'm trying to read again. Going on amazon to see what is interesting. Its convenient with the kindle. It's sad to see so many bookstores close down, hopefully its not because people are reading less but more people are using E-books.

    I don't think people are reading less but maybe they are spending more time on textbooks for school than reading for fun.

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