While social media offers educational benefits, much of its content lacks the rigorous editorial scrutiny that books and academic journals undergo. Social media is a vast, unfiltered repository of information, encompassing the good, the bad, and the misleading. Many young people, and even some adults, struggle to discern credible sources from unreliable content, which can negatively impact their intellectual development.
The decline of deep reading
A strong reading culture is essential for knowledge acquisition, career advancement, intellectual growth, and staying informed about global events. Reading materials include textbooks, newspapers, magazines, reference materials (dictionaries, encyclopaedias, maps, and atlases), religious books (the Bible, the Quran, Christian literature), and literary works (novels, poetry, and prose). Today, many of these resources are accessible online. However, deep reading continues to decline, likely because online reading often competes with distractions from social media that young people may find difficult to resist.
Moreover, Komolafe Ajayi, a book enthusiast, shared his views on Nigeria’s poor reading culture. He conducted a social experiment on Facebook, asking young people to choose between 10GB of mobile data and an engaging book worth five thousand naira. Surprisingly, more than 90% of respondents chose mobile data (Pulse.ng). The situation appears different in the 1990s, before the advent of social media. Students of that era avidly read novels and short stories.
Some of the popular books of that time included Eze Goes to School by Onuora Nzekwu, The Return of Shettima by Chukwuemeka Ike, The Slave Boy by Buchi Emecheta, Sugar Girl by Kola Onadipe, Arrow of God by Chinua Achebe, My Father’s Daughter by Mabel Segun, The Trials of Brother Jero by Wole Soyinka, No Longer at Ease by Chinua Achebe, and Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, among others.
Parents purchased these books, and children read them repeatedly, fostering a habit of extensive reading. Unlike many of today’s youths, whose attention is fragmented by digital distractions, past generations arguably developed concentration and critical thinking skills through sustained reading.
Encouraging early reading habits
Introducing children to reading at an early age is crucial. Parents and teachers should actively nurture a reading culture by subscribing to newspapers, encouraging book ownership, and forming reading clubs. For instance, my father subscribed to The Guardian, and I often read to him—a practice that sharpened my reading skills. Unfortunately, disruptions to the academic calendar, such as school closures aligning with religious observances, further hinder structured learning. A recent Punch report highlighted that four Nigerian states abruptly scheduled school holidays to coincide with Ramadan 2025. This inconsistency disrupts learning at a time when Nigeria’s out-of-school children population has reached 18.3 million, positioning the country as having the highest number of out-of-school children globally (Leadership News).
The role of media, libraries, and entertainment
The entertainment industry can play a significant role in reviving the reading culture by incorporating edutainment—integrating education with entertainment through debates, quizzes, and book clubs. Media houses can create dedicated youth sections in newspapers, featuring contributions from young writers and incentives for participation. Additionally, establishing young journalist clubs could nurture children’s curiosity for reading and writing.
Libraries, both public and private, must be accessible and well-equipped. Nigeria lags in this regard. According to research by Nongcebo Buthelezi, South Africa, with a population of approximately 64.5 million, has about 3,000 public libraries. In contrast, Nigeria, with a population of 235.9 million, has only about 316 public libraries (Statisense, 2017)—an alarmingly inadequate figure.
Learning from Sweden’s Educational Reforms
Sweden provides an example of how to address declining literacy. As students increasingly rely on screens from childhood, key skills such as reading and writing have suffered. In a recent article by Mattias Curl in Indian Defence Review, Sweden is investing €104 million to reintroduce books into classrooms. This investment ensures that every student receives a physical textbook for each subject and supports campaigns assisting schools in transitioning back to traditional learning methods.
Researchers have noted that digital devices can be distracting. Many students get sidetracked by games or web surfing during class instead of focusing on their studies. This screen obsession raises concerns about social skills and attention spans.
Additionally, studies show that reading on screens – especially those with bright lights—can cause eye strain and reduce focus compared to reading physical books.
Cognitive and social benefits of reading
In his letter on the Role of Literature in Formation, Pope Francis underscores the significance of reading in activating the mind and broadening one’s vision. He notes, “From a practical point of view, many scientists argue that the habit of reading has numerous positive effects on people’s lives, helping them to acquire a wider vocabulary and thus develop broader intellectual abilities. It also stimulates their imagination and creativity, enabling them to learn to tell their stories in richer and more expressive ways. It also improves their ability to concentrate, reduces levels of cognitive decline, and calms stress and anxiety.”
Moreover, reading equips individuals with critical thinking skills and the ability to navigate life’s challenges. By immersing oneself in literature, one experiences characters’ struggles and triumphs, drawing valuable lessons applicable to real-life situations.
The way forward
In today’s information-saturated world, individuals must cultivate discipline in their reading habits. Parents, educators, media organisations, and policymakers must work collectively to restore a strong reading culture in Nigeria. The government should invest in well-equipped public libraries, integrate reading initiatives into school curricula, and support programmes that promote literacy. Beyond mere advocacy, a concerted effort is required to ensure that reading remains a cornerstone of intellectual and national development.
As we navigate the digital age, we must balance technological advancements with the timeless value of deep reading. Only then can we build a society that values knowledge, critical thinking, and informed decision-making.
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