Editor-in-training Gabriella Castro is a two-year member of the Wildcat Chronicle who sometimes writes opinion pieces. The views expressed in this piece are her own.
Educators are observing a concerning trend: fewer students are showing an interest in reading and writing. This growing disinterest among younger generations raises concerns about the future of these essential skills and their broader implications for society.
The school library that was once filled with the sound of students flipping through books is now eerily silent, broken only by the hum of phones as users scroll through social media feeds. Technology has transformed how society operates, with schools and workplaces increasingly depending on it to simplify tasks. Each day brings new updates—from software to the latest iPhone that enhances their technology. While technological advancements offer efficiency, they also present shortcuts that discourage effort and critical thinking in students.
In classrooms, cheating has become alarmingly easy. Students use AI tools or simple web searches to complete assignments that undermine authentic learning experiences and reduce the need for thoughtful engagement. Meanwhile, textbooks gather dust in libraries, and spaces designed for collaborative learning are now dominated by screens. The allure of instant answers has dulled the desire to engage with books, newsletters, or other reading materials.
While the internet provides a wealth of educational resources, its convenience may be eroding habits like sustained reading and thoughtful writing—raising concerns about long-term effects on critical thinking, creativity, and empathy.
For many students, the concept of reading for pleasure has narrowed to the digital world. The once-bustling library shelves are now sparsely browsed, while the glow of smartphones dominates leisure time. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have reshaped entertainment, encouraging brief, attention-grabbing interactions over sustained, reflective experiences.
It is important to note that while many students have busy schedules due to part-time jobs, sports, and clubs, balancing these activities with academic priorities—especially reading and writing—is crucial.
People, in general, are reading less frequently than they used to. Over the years, there has been a noticeable decline in the number of bookstores. Reading for pleasure has largely been replaced by online platforms that demand attention. Social media sites like Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter have changed societal expectations of entertainment: in the past, leisure time often revolved around activities like writing letters, reading novels, or enjoying comics. Today, these have been replaced by the immediacy of social media.
The consequences of this shift extend beyond personal habits. Reading and writing establish a connection in a person’s mind; cultivate attention to detail, broaden perspectives, and enhance historical and cultural awareness. If people stop reading, their understanding of history, perspective, and critical thinking will fade over time.
The Washington Post discusses these very ideas in the feature, “The Long, Steady Decline of Literary Reading,” by Christopher Ingraham.
“Changing reading habits are indeed making us less able to see things from other people’s points of view, that could have drastic consequences across the board,” Ingraham said.
Writing plays a vital role in the learning process. Whether addressing personal issues or exploring creative ideas, writing encourages self-expression and deeper thinking. However, some students believe that writing feels like a chore because of its frequent use in school assignments. This perception may stem from overreliance on prescribed answers, which diminishes students’ confidence in developing original ideas.
Many teachers struggle to connect with students, adjusting their teaching styles and expectations in response to this generational shift. Students do not participate in class or ask for help; they just stare silently waiting to be taught or use their phones in boredom. Even when teachers provide study guides to help with finals preparation, many students ignore them, avoiding the reading or writing needed for meaningful study.
Writing is very much important—it preserves storytelling, history, and memories. However, many students today seem disengaged from reading and writing. This disengagement is evident in both declining reading and math scores nationwide, and daily observations, such as the small number of students actively working in the West Chicago Community High School library compared to those idly scrolling on their phones.
Some students point fingers at the education system, arguing that teachers do not inspire or motivate them. While there are certainly issues involved, this criticism often overlooks a larger societal shift. The cultural emphasis on convenience and instant gratification can hinder critical thinking and the willingness to put in effort. Addressing this problem requires both educators and students to acknowledge their shared responsibility in fostering a culture of learning.
WEGO has adopted measures like phone jails, collecting phones when students leave class, and confiscating devices altogether. While these steps are intended to minimize distractions, ddress only the symptoms, not the root causes, of disengagement. The unfortunate reality is that for students to enhance their writing skills and cultivate a love for reading, they need to engage in these activities regularly and take genuine pleasure in them.
To strengthen student engagement, WEGO could amplify its efforts by promoting existing programs like creative writing and book clubs more effectively. Increasing visibility and availability through classroom announcements, social media, or by showcasing student work could encourage more participation. Furthermore, integrating these clubs into the school day through workshops or partnerships with English classes may help students recognize the value of reading and writing beyond the classroom.
Creating spaces where students can explore their interests in a supportive environment could reignite their passion for reading and writing—skills that not only enrich individual lives but also shape the future of an informed and empathetic society.
