By Kaley McDevitt '23
Reading the title of this article, you may think: “I read everyday--school assignments, worksheets, menus,...” Although that is correct —and often it can be tiring— reading for one's self, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic, has its upsides. Studies show that reading can build up your vocabulary (which is helpful for one’s academic performance), make you more imaginative, help prevent age-related cognitive decline by keeping your mind active, improve memorization, and increase your ability to empathize and build relationships. Today, in the golden age of technology and social media, it can be hard to find the will to pick up a book. Maybe you don’t even have a book in your house that you would like to read! However, finding time for yourself —away from your studies— can truly help reduce anxiety and stress.
Youtube, Netflix, Hulu, Tiktok, Instagram, and any other apps you have lingering on your phone aren’t necessarily bad things. They can be fun and entertaining, sometimes even give you one of those delightful yet painful laugh attacks. However, there is so much content that it feels never-ending. Why? THAT'S BECAUSE IT IS! This is what I would like to call “doom-scrolling.” “Doom-scrolling” is a term defining the act of consuming a large quantity of negative online news at once. This type of scrolling has spread massively in our current day and age, which makes sense because anything can happen in a matter of seconds. The more you scroll, the more time you take out of your day, not to mention the effects it can have on your mental health and overall well-being. Multiple studies have found a strong link between heavy social media use and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness, and self-harm. According to a survey released by Common Sense Media, a nonprofit that tracks young people’s tech habits, teenagers average 7 hours and 22 minutes online each day—not including time spent using screens for school or homework.
When I first reflected on my own screen time, I tried cutting it down, especially on the infamous app TikTok. However, this didn’t work for me and I had to delete the app. Even today, almost three months since I’ve gotten rid of the app on my phone I find myself spending more and more time on Youtube and Netflix.
My pledge this year was to read a book a week — I’m three books behind. Despite my partial failure, I’ve read four, almost five, books since New Year’s Eve. My recommendation is to start with something simple, such as Harry Potter. The most important thing, however, is that you choose something you like and are drawn to. I got lucky, I chose A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, and I was hooked. I was amazed at how personally connected to the characters I felt and just how emotionally involved I got. I even cried while reading. To be honest, it was like watching an episode of The Walking Dead. My friend Jennifer, who claimed she “hated reading” asked me a few days ago to go to a bookstore. Why? Because she found a book she enjoyed.
Another tip is to take as much time as you need; you may be inspired by Booktube (the bookside of YouTube) to read 50 or 60 books a year, but that is not easy. I enjoy watching Netflix and YouTube, but there can be a balance between technology and reading. Take your time and remember, “some is better than none.” No matter what, you’ll be proud of yourself. Also, reading outside can gently accomplish two birds with one stone. Reading in a local park or even outside your building or home can get you away from the computer and into the outside world.
My next tip is to read before you go to bed and, if you have the time, in the morning. Since I can no longer read on the train coming to or from school, some days I might wake up early and read for 10-15 min. Reading before I sleep also tires me out and, according to research, it relaxes your muscles and slows down your breathing, leaving you feeling calmer. My last and final tip is to find someone to inspire you, like a celebrity. For example, celebrities such as Dakota Johnson and genius-billionaire Bill Gates are both avid readers.
Reading has enormous benefits and it's an activity that’s been around forever. Maybe pick up one book, read 20 minutes a day until you finish it, and see how you feel after. If you want to consult recommendations and reviews, the app “Goodreads” is a great place to start. After all, “The world was hers for the reading.” – Betty Smith.
Editors: Natalia Cseh, Cecilia Fiorindo and Ms. Brilliant
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