IN the era of social media, it has become hard to come across readers. Even harder is to find genuine readers. I say ‘genuine’ because even among those who actually read books, the majority consumes the same books that are talked about and recommended on social media platforms. While there is nothing inherently wrong with enjoying popular books, the trend can limit one’s experiences as a reader. As such, diversity in reading is crucial because it allows the readers to see the world through different perspectives.

Moreover, books have the power to teach us about life, and reading diverse voices, especially those of people of colour and authors addressing various social issues, can consistently and significantly enhance our understanding and empathy. As such, fiction, in particular, is a powerful tool for not only developing empathy, but also critical thinking.

However, unfortunately, many readers who stick to the same genres by the same authors miss out on this rather critical aspect of development. Truly, they may lack the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate complex social issues, often failing to recognise as well as challenge problematic characters and themes.

This is alarming. If young readers are repeatedly exposed to problematic content without having critical engagement, they may come to view such issues as normal or acceptable.

Undoubtedly, this lack of, say, critical discourse is symptomatic of a broader issue: the brain rot induced by excessive social media consumption. People spend hours on their phones, consuming vast amounts of information without truly getting engaged with or understanding any of it. This superficial engagement leads to a decline in critical thinking and meaningful discourse.

We must prioritise diversity in our reading choices and engage more deeply with the material we consume. Only then can we at least hope to develop a more empathetic and critically aware society.

Rubab Ali
Pir Jo Goth

Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2024