The Future of Reading
Most bookworms are aware that the future of reading will change. Will reading lengthy narratives be imperilled by our fast-paced modern world? How will the digital world of ubiquitous computing affect our experience of reading? Will a few bibliophiles cling to the world of print? Conversely, does traditional print culture offer something unique that we don’t want to lose?
For centuries, reading has played an important role in the development of civilization. In the digital age, we are likely to shift to a civilization that’s more visual and oral, and less textual, as people find it more difficult to tear themselves away from mobile devices and bury themselves in a good book. Soon, reading a well-thumbed paperback novel may regrettably be a thing of the past.
Vocabulary:
bookworms – people who love reading books and spend a lot of time doing so, “The local library is a popular hangout spot for all the neighborhood bookworms.”
lengthy narratives – long, detailed stories or accounts of events, “The history professor assigned two lengthy narratives about the French Revolution for weekend reading.”
imperilled – put at risk of being harmed, injured, or destroyed; endangered, “The survival of many rare species is imperilled by rapid deforestation.”
fast-paced – moving, changing, or happening very quickly, “Living in a fast-paced city can be exciting, but it also leaves very little time for relaxation.”
ubiquitous computing – a concept where computing is made to appear anytime and everywhere through any device or format, “The rise of smart home devices is a clear example of how ubiquitous computing shapes our daily routines.”
bibliophiles – individuals who love or collect books, “The rare book auction attracted wealthy bibliophiles from all over the world.”
cling to – to hold onto something tightly, or refuse to let go of a belief, habit, or tradition, “Even in the age of smartphones, some people still cling to their old paper diaries.”
Conversely – in an opposite or contrary way; on the other hand, “Dark colors absorb heat; conversely, light colors reflect it.”
print culture – the culture surrounding the production, distribution, and consumption of printed materials like books and newspapers, “The invention of the printing press completely transformed European print culture.”
development of civilization – the advanced state of human society, including its culture, science, and government, evolving over time, “The access to clean water played a crucial role in the development of civilization.”
digital age – the current period in human history characterized by the shift from traditional industry to an economy based on information technology, “Growing up in the digital age means children learn to use tablets before they can even write.”
textual – relating to, or based on a text or written words, “The literature exam focused heavily on textual analysis rather than historical context.”
tear themselves away from – an idiom meaning to force oneself to stop doing or looking at something very enjoyable or absorbing, “The game was so addictive that the teenagers couldn’t tear themselves away from their screens for dinner.”
bury themselves in – an idiom meaning to give all of one’s attention to something, such as a book or work, “During exam week, students typically bury themselves in their textbooks at the library.”
well-thumbed – a book or document showing signs of heavy use, such as creased pages or a worn cover, from being read many times, “He kept a well-thumbed copy of his favorite poetry book on his nightstand.”
paperback novel – a book with a flexible paper cover rather than a stiff cardboard one, “I always pack a light paperback novel in my carry-on bag when traveling.”
regrettably – unfortunately; in a way that causes or shows sadness, disappointment, or regret, “Regrettably, the outdoor concert had to be canceled due to a sudden thunderstorm.”
a thing of the past – an idiom referring to something that no longer happens, exists, or is fashionable, “With the rise of email and instant messaging, writing long letters by hand has largely become a thing of the past.”