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Influence of Digital Media

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Influence of Digital Media

Uploaded by

jerometatlonghari3
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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"The Influence of Digital Media on Teenager’s Reading Habits

The article "The Influence of Digital Media on Teenager’s Reading Habits" by Yirun Guo
explores the impact of digital media on the reading habits of teenagers, discussing both positive
and negative aspects. It notes that while digital media can expand access to information and
facilitate faster reading through platforms like e-books and social media, it may also encourage
superficial reading habits. The article details how teenagers often develop a preference for
short, fragmented content rather than longer, in-depth reading, which can diminish patience and
focus. However, it also highlights how digital resources, such as online libraries and multimedia
content, can engage young readers by broadening their access to diverse topics, often sparking
a deeper interest in specific areas of knowledge.

Digital technology has transformed reading into a more accessible yet divided
experience. The article suggests that the ease of skimming or “hyper-reading” due to hyperlinks,
animations, and short-form content on social media has influenced teenagers to seek out quick,
entertaining summaries rather than immerse themselves in extensive reading. Guo references
studies showing that teenagers may choose to glance over summaries and book reviews online
rather than read full texts, resulting in a loss of in-depth comprehension and critical thinking
skills. For instance, platforms like Instagram and Twitter, with their focus on brief, image-driven
content, often prevent young readers from building sustained concentration.

Yet, digital technology also offers unique benefits. Digital reading tools such as Kindle or
e-books integrate multimedia elements like audio and visuals, which can captivate young
readers and make learning more interactive. Additionally, access to online databases and
libraries allows students to explore a wide range of subjects they might not encounter in
traditional libraries. This expanded access promotes interest and learning efficiency, allowing
readers to discover new materials tailored to their interests without the constraints of physical
book availability. This dual impact on teenagers' reading habits—both expanding information
access and risking reduced depth of engagement—illustrates the complex role digital media
plays in reading development.

Digital technology has played a significant role in improving my own reading skills by
providing convenient access to a vast array of resources. Online platforms make it easier to
quickly learn about topics I am interested in without requiring access to a physical library. In
particular, e-books have helped me get through dense materials by allowing me to adjust text
size, highlight key sections, and even use built-in dictionaries to understand unfamiliar words
instantly. However, I have also experienced the downsides mentioned in the article, such as a
tendency to skim rather than thoroughly read. Often, the sheer volume of available information
online can feel overwhelming, making it challenging to focus deeply on a single topic.

Digital technologies also allow me to read in more engaging ways. For example, visual
and auditory enhancements in e-books often make learning more memorable and enjoyable,
helping me retain information better. Nonetheless, I recognize the need to balance these tools
with the discipline of reading more carefully and thoughtfully to ensure I build lasting
comprehension skills.

Reference:

Guo, Y. (2023). The Influence of Digital Media on Teenager’s Reading Habits. In I. A. Khan
et al. (Eds.), Proceedings of HWESM 2023 (pp. 374–379). University of Edinburgh.
https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-068-8_47

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