It’s easy in this day and age to think reading is unimportant. We have Netflix, TikTok, Instagram, etc. Why would we need to read books for entertainment or information? After all, reading a book takes hours, whereas watching a YouTube video can take a few minutes. That instant gratification you can get from scrolling through videos keeps you wanting more and more. The result of this is that the younger generation’s literacy rates are dropping. According to the National Assessment of Education Progress test taken across the country in 2019, “a little more than 1 in 3 American students read proficiently in grades 4 or 8.” But what are the benefits of reading, you may ask, and why can’t I just get that from a movie?

There are many benefits to reading, but one highlighted benefit is expanded vocabulary.  Books are essentially hundreds of words on hundreds of pages, which can expose someone to new words. Expanding not only their vocabulary but also their speech/understanding of language. A study from the National Institute of Health concludes, “Consistent with the hypothesis, multilevel modeling revealed the rate of vocabulary growth after the 4th grade to be significantly related to 4th-grade word reading after controlling for kindergarten vocabulary level, that is, above average readers experienced a higher rate of vocabulary growth than did average readers.” Particularly in the context of younger children, reading has supported the rate of their vocabulary growth. 

Along with expanded vocabulary, another important benefit is stronger cognitive skills; this includes enhancing memory, overall cognitive function, and critical thinking. As you read, you learn to think outside the box, which activates your brain to focus and pay attention. As a result, you develop stronger cognitive skills. According to the American Academy of Neurology, “the brain-stimulating activities from reading have been shown to slow down cognitive decline in old age, with people who participated in more mentally stimulating activities over their lifetimes. It also has shown a slower rate of decline in memory and other mental capacities.” These are long-term benefits for cognitive function, especially pertaining to memory.

While reading has many intellectual and education-based benefits, there are also other benefits. Interestingly, reading about different characters, their lives, and perspectives, can stimulate empathy in people. Reading is a way to really get close to someone’s unique thoughts and experiences. It can also support and encourage Imagination & Creativity. While being quite important for younger individuals, even adults can benefit from this. Reading can help increase social skills and knowledge about the perceptions of others. There are even physical benefits, including a reduction of stress and better quality sleep.