Digital shift reshapes learning culture as books face decline
Falak Bilal
Srinagar, April 10: The quiet rustle of pages turning in libraries and homes is slowly being replaced by the soft glow of screens. Across the country, a noticeable shift is taking place in how young people read, learn, and engage with information.
For generations, books were considered the primary gateway to knowledge. Students would spend hours in libraries, highlighting important passages and revising notes from textbooks. Today, however, the scenario looks quite different. With smartphones and affordable internet access becoming widespread, digital reading has become the norm rather than the exception.
Another student, Rahul Sharma, echoed a similar sentiment. “If I don’t understand a topic, I just search it online. There are videos, summaries, and articles available instantly. Books feel slower in comparison,” he said.
However, not all students are fully ready to let go of traditional reading. Some still find comfort and focus in printed pages. “Reading from a book helps me concentrate better,” said Mehak Singh, a school student. “On the phone, I get distracted by notifications. With a book, I can study without interruptions.”
The changing trend has deeply affected local book sellers, many of whom are witnessing a steady decline in sales. A bookseller from the city shared his concerns, saying that the demand for printed books has gradually decreased over the years. “Earlier, books were preferred by students and young readers. Shops used to be crowded, especially during exam seasons. But now, the youth is using screens instead of books.”
He further added, “Nowadays, even students read their books on the internet. Whether it’s textbooks, guides, or reference material, everything is available online. Because of this, fewer people come to buy books.”
Despite this shift, educators warn that excessive screen-based reading may have drawbacks. Studies suggest that reading on screens can reduce attention span and affect deep comprehension. Printed books, in contrast, encourage slower, more thoughtful reading, which is essential for critical thinking and long-term retention.
“Digital platforms are useful, but they should not completely replace books,” said a senior teacher. “Students need to develop the habit of reading in depth, and that is something printed books support very well.”
At the same time, experts acknowledge that digital reading is not entirely negative. It has made education more inclusive by providing access to a vast range of resources at little or no cost. Students in remote areas, in particular, benefit from online materials that were once difficult to obtain.
For many young readers, the ideal approach lies in balancing both worlds. “I use online resources for quick learning, but I still prefer books for serious study,” said Adil Mir, a university student. “Both have their advantages.”
As technology continues to evolve, the reading habits of the younger generation are likely to keep changing. Whether this shift will lead to the decline of traditional book culture or simply transform it remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the definition of reading is expanding—beyond pages and into pixels.
In this ongoing transition, the challenge lies not in choosing between the internet and books, but in ensuring that the essence of reading—curiosity, understanding, and knowledge—remains alive in whatever form it takes.
