Books can transport us to new places, whisk us to different time periods, and allow us to meet unique people. A mediocre day can be spiced up by the lives of our story’s characters and events. For myself, reading is a pastime or hobby that I use to broaden my knowledge base on topics I know little about. Who doesn’t want to know more? Yet, books appear to impact us at a deeper level than entertainment and intellect. Studies on the value of literacy reveal that reading generally alters our personal characteristics and priorities.
Starting Young
Reading from a young age is important for later development into adulthood. Specifically, long-term academic success and adult language skills can all be influenced by the literacy you gain in early childhood. Parent’s attitudes towards books and reading are a large factor for interest in reading among children. Book-gifting programs that seek to give books to families of lower socioeconomic status have been found an effective catalyst for reading in childhood. Books can additionally act as a means for parents to pass on traditions and family ideals to their children. (1)
What You Read Matters
Compared to those who prefer to watch television, readers exhibit higher levels of empathy and friendliness towards others. When looking at specific types of books, fiction readers were found especially understanding of other people. Researchers believe this finding stems from the fact that the storylines of characters are explained in great detail to the readers. As such, emotional intelligence is easy to develop when you see a situation from the intimate perspective of another person you like and know well. Additionally, the study pegged fans of books in the comedy genre as very relatable to others (likely due to a good sense of humor?) (2)
Other Benefits Of Reading
A study from 2015 looked into the effects of reading on lifespan, and concluded that “A chapter a day keeps the doctor away”. Benefits of reading upon longevity were particularly noticeable among the elderly, and those who read books over magazines or newspapers. The impact on lifespan created by poverty, gender, and education levels is diminished when an individual reads for at least thirty minutes a day.
Interesting questions that still remain about reading include whether or not this activity impacts specific diseases or illnesses, if the positive effects of reading are likewise incurred with audiobooks, and what the longitudinal benefits of regular reading are from childhood to adulthood. Studying the effects of reading fiction vs. nonfiction may be worthwhile too, as the majority (87%) of readers prefer fiction to nonfiction. (3)
Getting Into Reading!
If you’re currently someone who does not read regularly, you may be missing out on important benefits. Visit your local library or second-hand book shop to locate affordable reading materials that appeal to you. Join or start a book club to gain the motivation to read. Finally, talk to others about how they build reading into their lives. If you’re able to make reading a successful habit in your life, you may see immense social and healthy changes!
