PERSPEKTIFNUSANTARA.COM– In the digital age, college students find it increasingly easy to access information through the internet and social media. However, this ease has actually led to a decline in reading culture. In fact, reading literacy plays a crucial role in shaping students’ critical thinking and academic abilities. Through reading, students can broaden their horizons, understand various perspectives, and improve their ability to analyze issues. Therefore, reading culture should be an integral part of students’ lives amidst the rapid advancement of technology.
Currently, many students spend more time on social media than reading books or academic articles. The presence of digital platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube has made students accustomed to receiving information in short, instant bursts. Consequently, interest in reading has diminished as students tend to choose more practical and engaging forms of entertainment. For example, many students prefer to watch a few-minute video summary of the material rather than reading the book or journal directly. In fact, in-depth reading can help students understand the material better and develop critical thinking skills.
According to Anderson and Krathwohl, a culture of reading is closely linked to an individual’s critical thinking skills. Meanwhile, E.D. Hirsch Jr. asserts that literacy is a crucial foundation for the development of both individuals and society. Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) in 2020 also indicates that the reading interest of the Indonesian public remains relatively low. In addition to being influenced by technological advancements, the low reading interest is also caused by limited access to books and a lack of reading habits from an early age. As a result, many students become less critical in filtering information and are easily swayed by hoaxes circulating on social media.
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Amid the overwhelming flow of digital information, a reading culture must not be neglected. Students need to make reading a habit, not merely an academic requirement. With strong literacy skills, students will not only be academically intelligent but also capable of thinking critically and wisely when faced with various information. Therefore, awareness among students, along with support from families, universities, and the government, is needed to create an environment that fosters a culture of literacy, thereby shaping a generation that is well-informed and of high quality.
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