Importance Of Reading As A Pastime

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Question: In this new media era, reading as a pastime is no longer important. Do you agree? American academic, former Harvard President, Charles William Eliot once wrote, “books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counsellors, and the most patient of teachers,” highlighting the importance of reading. Reading is a complex comprehension of decoding symbols to distinguish meanings. It is used as a tool for language acquisition, communication, sharing information and ideas. Reading requires critical analysis, understanding and creativity. There are now many forms of media - magazines, leaflets, ebooks - available for someone wanting to indulge in reading. While some may argue that Eliot’s claim about books is outdated, there are many reasons why reading as a pastime is still important in this new media era. Even now, reading is still one of the cheapest forms of entertainment and leisure that benefits readers; through reading, one may gain knowledge and information and simultaneously strengthen his command of language Reading allows the freedom of creative and analytical thinking. One begins to obtain a complex understanding of the text and gain the ability to think in depth. When reading, an interaction is created between the reader …show more content…

New media gives access to all content, anytime, anywhere, on any digital device. The convenience of handheld technology allows an individual to obtain information or the latest news, instantaneously, due to new media’s prompt and varied technology. Unlike books, that only provides content in one medium, new media provides information not only in text, but also through the interplay of images, sounds, videos and forums. With new media technology and with its easy accessibility, reading seems too laborious and outdated to the majority of new media