Book Reading is Never Out of Fashion – And Neither is Print Media

For years now, we have lamented the decline of reading habits among the younger generation. The blame often falls on technology—streaming services, social media, smartphones, and now AI—which, we argue, have left little to the imagination. At times, it appears we are witnessing the death of the printed word. But perhaps this narrative is incomplete. Perhaps, beyond pointing fingers at technology, we need to pause and ask ourselves: are we truly providing the kind of quality, engaging, and thought-provoking content that could rekindle the charm of books and print media?  

The Impact of the Digital Age 

It is undeniable that the rise of virtual media, rapid technological innovations, and the omnipresence of smartphones have transformed the way we consume information and entertainment. Long-form reading has faced competition from quick, visually stimulating content designed to provide instant gratification. For science fiction, fantasy, or thoughtful narratives, these fast-paced digital bites indeed leave little room for the slow, immersive process of imagination and reflection.  

However, the "next generation" does not see their mobile devices as a miraculous escape into a world they never knew; rather, it is a natural extension of life for them, just as print was for earlier generations. This means that rather than competing with devices, print can coexist and even thrive alongside digital tools.  

The Role of Content Creators 

One of the critical aspects we tend to overlook is the responsibility of publishers, media houses, and writers. The truth is—quality matters. Young readers are not averse to books; they are simply selective, seeking stories and ideas that challenge, inspire, and engage them. Unfortunately, the publishing landscape today often shies away from taking risks with fresh ideas or new authors. There is a dangerous and widespread industry bias driven by the assumption that "people don’t read anymore."  

 

At the same time, much of mainstream print media—newspapers, magazines—has compromised its editorial standards in pursuit of profit. 

Sensationalism, click-driven headlines, and shallow content have slowly eroded the authenticity that once made the printed word trustworthy and essential. As a result, even those who want to engage with print often turn away, seeking honesty and substance elsewhere.  

The Reality We Overlook 

Contrary to the doom-and-gloom narrative, evidence suggests that reading is far from obsolete. From my personal observations in libraries, premium cafés, and even public transport, I regularly witness young people deeply immersed in books—with their phones lying quietly beside them. This is no longer an "either-or" scenario; physical books and digital media coexist in a complementary relationship.  

These readers are out there; what they need is not lectures about "how little they read" but access to content that resonates. A well-written novel, a responsibly curated magazine, or a thoughtfully researched piece of journalism still attracts their attention—just as in any era.  

Moving Forward 

The key lies in breaking our own prejudices and misconceptions. We must invest in nurturing good writers, supporting diverse stories, and resisting the temptation to compromise quality for easy profit. Publishers and media houses need to embrace fresh talent and give literature and serious journalism the promotion they deserve. Most importantly, we as a society must stop acting as if reading is a dying art and instead celebrate and encourage it in all its forms—print or digital.  

Book reading was never truly "out of fashion"—it simply evolved alongside the mediums we use to tell our stories. The vibrant presence of young readers today, from metro stations to cafe corners, proves that the love for books and print still lives, even in a digital-first world. Rather than mourning what we believe we have lost, perhaps it is time we focused on enriching what we still have: the never-ending magic of the written word.

- Anirban Dasgupta