Seriously. When was the last time you completed at least two books in one month? We live in an age of unprecedented access to information. Yet, paradoxically, we seem to be reading less. Indeed, we read for various reasons: to learn, to get entertained, and to connect with others. In this respect, reading is alive and well. We read news articles, social media posts, emails, and countless other forms of text daily. The question now is not whether people read, but what they read and how they engage with it. 

The deep, contemplative act of reading a novel or an in-depth article is becoming an anachronism in this era of perpetual distraction. This concern isn’t unfounded. In 2020, Prof. Lenrie Aina, the ex-National Librarian and CEO of the National Library of Nigeria (NLN), expressed concern over Nigeria’s low ranking in global reading culture as reported by World Culture Statistics. Alarmingly, some book enthusiasts predict that by 2024, Nigeria’s position might deteriorate even further if new data were collected. 

Sure, the constant stream of information available online contributes to this decline in deep reading — the ability to focus on a single piece of text for an extended period. A question, a query, a desire — all can be satisfied with a few taps on a screen. The very abundance of information has diluted its value. We are inundated with data, but starved for depth. Neuroscientific research suggests that the brain’s ability to process complex information is being undermined by the rapid, fragmented consumption typical of digital media. Social media, streaming services, and gaming have become the preferred pastimes. The allure of scrolling through endless feeds or binge-watching shows is super tempting. It’s easier, faster, and requires less mental effort than picking up a book.

Long-form journalism, which offers in-depth analysis and context, is also being overshadowed by the rise of clickbait and sensationalist headlines designed to capture short attention spans. Articles are shortened, nuanced arguments are distilled into simplistic summaries, and complex issues are reduced to digestible sound bites. Maryanne Wolf, in her book Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World, argues that the deep reading process, which involves critical thinking, empathy, and reflection, is being eroded. This erosion has far-reaching consequences, affecting everything from individual cognitive development to the collective intellectual capacity of society.

The act of reading is a rebellion against the ephemeral nature of our existence. It requires slowing down, a surrender to the cadence of another’s thoughts, and a willingness to engage deeply. A society that reads less is less informed, less critical, and less engaged with the world around it. It is also a society with limited opportunities for personal growth and development. As Virginia Woolf so eloquently put it, “books are of very different types, and…to read them rightly we have to bend our imaginations powerfully, first one way, then another.” It is through books that individuals encounter the vast spectrum of human experience, gain insight into the lives of others, and grapple with the complexities of existence.

However, beyond the fragmentation of attention, Nigeria’s economic climate has significantly impacted the affordability of books. With a rapidly depreciating naira and soaring inflation, the price of books has skyrocketed. What was once a modest expense has become a luxury for many. The average Nigerian, grappling with the rising costs of food, transportation, and housing, is often forced to prioritize essential needs over intellectual pursuits. E-books and audiobooks, while convenient, have not entirely replaced the tangible experience of reading a physical book. The tactile engagement, the scent of paper, and the act of turning pages are irreplaceable aspects of traditional reading that many find difficult to replicate digitally. 

Moreover, the pervasive emphasis on productivity and tangible outcomes has relegated reading to the periphery of many individuals’ lives. Modern life is characterized by a constant rush and the demand for multitasking. The demand for immediate results and measurable achievements relegates reading to a secondary status, seen as less than a necessity. This utilitarian view strips away its intrinsic value, majorly reducing it to a mere tool for acquiring specific knowledge or skills, rather than an enriching, transformative experience.

Ultimately, the decline of reading is a symptom of a larger cultural shift. While there are a few dedicated readers who continue to find enrichment in books, the overall trend is undeniable and it’s troubling. It affects not only our individual intellectual development but also our collective cultural and intellectual capital.