Teens Allure in Technology, While Reading is Left Behind?
By: Angelina Domfeh
When William Shakespeare was alive he wrote, "O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?" Today we should be asking ourselves, "O reading, reading, wherefore art thou reading!"
In today's society technology permeates everything, replacing many conventional reading habits. According to Parentingteen.com, the rapid use of computers and cell phones can have harmful effects on young people. At least 40 percent of young adults have revealed that texting deteriorated their knowledge of the English language, the website states. Because of the common interest of "slang" that most young people text, spelling is becoming more difficult. Other technology addictions, like videogames, are causing kids to become antisocial. Internet chatting is also being known to make kids antisocial, plus the chance of identity theft. Television as well can affect a child's learning and school performance, stated the website. Most educators see the Internet and technology as key elements that result in the reduction of time children spend reading, based on the website of Diana Bell, an educational specialist.
Reading is just plain boring, or is it? Eyram Wayem, 16, who attends Salesian High School, says reading is just not one of his interests. "I guess it would be only a leisure thing to do," said Wayam. Instead of reading, he would rather occupy his time by watching television or using the computer. Do most teenagers his age read today? "I guess it would be like a waste of their time," he said. "[Teens] would rather do something else, like go the movies, than sit down and read a book."
Some students disagree. "Reading is fun. I like stories," said Natasha Harris, a 14-year-old who attends Dewitt Clinton High School. Harris claims that a reason why most teens do not read is because there are so many other activities to do than just picking up a book. Personally for her, reading is a great help toward her writing. She says when you read, you experience different styles of writing, while reading helps with sentence structuring and strengthens your vocabulary.
Some may ask could "new versions of reading" contribute to the increase of readers today? The Amazon Kindle is a portable electronic device for the purpose of reading digital books. Ypulse, a guide to youth news and research and strategy, stated that more young people are purchasing and using eReaders. Though the archaic print book form is not being completely forgotten, digital reading is becoming more common and convenient. Publishers are looking towards eReaders and eBooks (a book converted into digital format displayed on the computer or on a handheld device). Children networks, such as Nickelodeon, have entered the e-reading market by launching eBooks based on popular child shows like SpongeBob Squarepants.
As for students, one way they are "reading"—although in a limited form—is through SparkNotes, a popular website that portrays study guides and discussions forums offered by various subjects. The literature section includes a brief analysis of the characters, themes, and plots of many books. While helpful, this informational website has had its controversial downsides. New Media Research Studio, a website dedicated to new media environments, refers to SparkNotes as a widespread tool that is popularly used by students. In 1999, this website was initially created by four Harvard University students. It is a tool created by students for students. On this website, one can explore books, college preparations such as test prep, and even advice. According to this website, the controversy behind SparkNotes is that it is often seen as a cheating instrument for students, which is displeasing for teachers.
Iesha Irish, a 31-year-old librarian who works at the Bronx Library Center located on East Kingsbridge Road, gives her reason why young people don't read today. "They like technology," she said. "Technology has caused kids to be brainless." She argues that the digital world has taken over and that technology is causing the attention span of young adults to diminish. She says that when kids enter the library, they would rather read a book with more pictures.
Irish said she believes that soon Kindles might soon replace books and textbooks, saying it would probably be "cheaper for schools to order books on the eReader." Yet, she says that private schools might be able to afford the Kindle, but it would be difficult for most public schools to afford them. "It might help if [public schools] could afford it; a lot of kids would read more," she said. Irish says that young students would be excited about using the Kindle in class. She explained that the main reason why young adults are reading less is because they do not give books a chance. However, she said they should because they might end up enjoying the book in the end.
Kaiser Family Foundation, an organization that provides information about key health policy issues, found that children and teenagers spend about four hours a day watching television, plus an extra two hours on the computer. Television as well can affect a child's learning and school performance. The website also stated that the constant time young people read is 25 minutes a day. The rate of young people that read newspapers decreased from 42 percent in 1999 to 23 percent in the year 2006.
Hans Tammen, 54, is a technology consultant. He says, "The computer is great because you can get so much information." Tammen say he thinks technology does not promote people read more. "My kids rather look on the Internet," he said. "Nobody reads anymore! People just check YouTube." As a Kindle user himself, he says that the reason why the Kindle is so popular could be that people have the product right in their pocket when you do not have to bring multiple books with you.
"When you read a book, you enter that world of imagination," Tammen said, which is something that young people today are gradually forgetting.
