The Future of Reading

How technology is changing the way we interact with texts

How do you read?

Do you prefer a book or technology to help you read?

The topic of the future of reading has been widely discussed in recent years, as technology rapidly evolves and changes the way we interact with text.

Book lovers can now enjoy their favourite reads in new and innovative ways; e-readers and audiobooks are just two examples of how things have changed.

Ways to read

The transition from physical books to digital ones is one of the most significant shifts in how we can choose to consume text.

E-readers, such as the Kindle and apps on iPad, iPhone or equivalent, have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing readers with a portable and convenient way to access books.

Additionally, e-books have made it easier to access out-of-print or hard-to-find titles.

It’s true that many book lovers have discovered a fresh and exciting way to indulge their passion — audiobooks.

Audio versions of books have gained popularity in recent years, offering readers a unique and immersive experience. Along with e-readers, audiobooks have become a go-to option for many looking to broaden their literary horizons.

Audiobooks are ideal for busy individuals, providing the opportunity to listen to books while driving, exercising, or completing daily tasks.

Listening to audiobooks can be a fun and enjoyable experience, especially when professional voice actors narrate them. These skilled performers bring the content to life, adding an entertaining and engaging new dimension to the reading experience.

Virtual reality, and augmented reality technology could increasingly be used to create fully immersive reading environments, while artificial intelligence could be used to personalise and enhance the reading experience for individual users.

This article about the future of learning experiences, written by Sophie Thompson, gives insights into how this could evolve.

Whilst technology can be helpful, it’s transient, and for most of us, nothing can replace the paper and ink, the look and the feel, the thrill of owning a new book.

Is reading important?

Some might argue that the act of reading itself is more crucial than the specific way in which we read.

It’s possible to combine how we read depending on circumstances. Books are perfect for quiet days at the beach or on the sofa, while audiobooks are great for train rides or waiting at the doctor’s office.

Reading provides us with knowledge, empathy, and perspective, and it is a vital tool for personal growth and development.

As we move towards a more technologically advanced future, it is crucial that we continue to prioritise reading and ensure that everyone has access to books or the technology to help them read.

Starting young

As a mother, I always prioritised reading for my own son and have fond memories of reading together and choosing new books.

Reading together was a unique bonding time, and I still have happy memories of reading before he started school. This was an important step to prepare for school. Making reading an enjoyable experience gave him a foundation for future learning.

My five-year-old granddaughter lives 4,000 miles away, and one of my biggest regrets is being unable to read with her.

In the forty years since my son was five years old, the changes I describe above with the introduction of technology have changed the reading landscape for young children.

While many still have access to books, like my own Sophia, she also has technology. How will this impact her reading journey?

On Zoom calls, I see the books she reads; now a school pupil, she has a school library and chooses a weekly read.

But I long to be with her and for us to sit together and to choose a book for us to read. To be able to hear her reading progress and to talk to her about the narrative.

I know for children, reading with an adult is a time-limited pastime. Ten years olds probably don’t want to read with their grandmother.

In the meantime, I will have to be grateful for the knowledge that she does enjoy reading.

To conclude

How will technology change the way we interact with texts?

Are the simple pleasures of reading a book going to disappear?

I hope that reading remains a vital part of preschool engagement. Adults can enjoy sharing books with young children, turning pages and listening to their first attempts at reading.

As children grow up, their love for books can pave the way for a lifelong passion for reading. By establishing a strong foundation of reading, we can ensure that books remain an integral part of their lives even as they enter adulthood.

While I appreciate the convenience of technology for reading, there’s just something special about holding a book in your hands. It’s a tactile experience that can’t be replicated by a screen.

Thank you for reading. Please follow and subscribe.