From enjoyment to expectation: The anxiety of reading in the age of social media

The number of unread books I own versus how many I have actually read is a significantly uneven ratio, one that I am too embarrassed to work out. As I stare at my overflowing bookshelf whilst writing this, a question that keeps coming to mind is why haven’t I read these books? Modern literary trends, including the influence of social media as well as the perfectionist culture created within the study of academia, often transform a hobby that is meant to be enjoyable into something shaped by toxicity, competition, and performativity which can ultimately hinder any further reading from being done.

Between BookTok and Instagram pages dedicated to reading, the process of reading has shifted from a recreational hobby for relaxation, into something that can be stress-inducing and contentious

Social media has an undeniable grasp on the minds of young people that aggravates this pressure created in reading. Between BookTok and Instagram pages dedicated to reading, the process of reading has shifted from a recreational hobby for relaxation into something that can be stress-inducing and contentious. Thanks to the popularisation of books on such platforms, many people are influenced by current literary trends and may feel pressured into reading books that they simply have no interest in. This results in a hesitancy to abandon books or to write harsh reviews, often leading to a negative association with reading.

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, for instance, is very popular within book communities. This popularity played a large role in my decision to read the series. Whilst I quite enjoyed these books (and still believe A Court of Mist and Fury is one of the most captivating books I have ever read), many reviewers disagreed and, as I read the opinions of others, my own thoughts began to be shaped by such responses. I found myself being influenced by these communities that simultaneously popularise these books and disregard them entirely. Needless to say, however, online communities can contribute to unknown authors gaining traction, boosting their stories and creating space for new writers within the reading world, which can create new sources of comfort for people across the globe.

Users have the ability to set reading goals that can turn into competitions among friends and even strangers that can contribute to a negative reading experience by the time December comes around

Reading apps are another form of online media that can amplify this perfectionist culture. Goodreads or Fable, for example, are popular platforms used by readers to document the books they have read throughout the year. Whilst I greatly encourage readers to use these apps, there is a sense of caution that must be taken when downloading them. Users have the ability to set reading goals that can turn into competitions among friends – and even strangers – that can contribute to a negative reading experience by the time December comes around. I have personally set a reading goal of 30 books this year because realistically, between reading for my university course and juggling life in general, there is only so much that can be read during the year. However, I find others who have already read 50 books… and it’s barely even summer yet! As a result, this causes me to think poorly of my own reading decisions, amplifying this unnecessarily competitive nature in what is meant to be a fun hobby.

Social media often portrays the ‘aesthetics’ of life, a concept which has consequently emerged in reading, often contributing to readers overthinking how and when they choose to read. Videos of cosy set-ups with teas, candles, and blankets galore, establishes unrealistic expectations of reading that manifest themselves into reality, creating pressure to construct the ‘perfect’ environment to read in. Moreover, social media apps themselves have led to changing attitudes about reading, where people are more likely to consume short-form content, prioritising scrolling through 30-second videos rather than reading 300-page books. This is supported by an interesting theory called the ‘shallowing hypothesis’, where excessive use of these short-form content reduces one’s ability to reflect deeply on the books they read, leading to moral shallowness as digital engagement hinders our ability to carry out complex tasks.

The world of academia often does a great job at decreasing motivation for students to read outside their studies, further playing a role in this perfectionist culture of reading

Whilst I have focused on the impact of social media, other factors, including academic pressure, contribute to altered perceptions of reading. As a History student, you can imagine how much reading I have to do for my seminars and assignments and, by the time I have done this, I am simply too exhausted to read anything that is just ‘for me’. I honestly think that there is nothing better than a terrible rom-com, yet I cannot motivate myself to pick one up and read it on top of my university work.

The world of academia often does a great job at decreasing the motivation of students to read outside their studies, further facilitating this perfectionist reading culture. One thing I will recommend, however, is to try your hardest to prioritise time for you and, if you enjoy reading as much as I do, to not let your studies dictate what you can and cannot read. Everyone deserves time to choose the books they wish to explore – even if it is just for ten minutes.