Why nobody can read anymore

When curiosity fades, attention follows. And when attention fades, meaning does too.

Kartscrut

16 min read

·

Oct 31, 2025

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A few years back, i loved to read. I’d open the newspaper in the morning, fall asleep with a book, keep it under my pillow which made the pillow bulky, but at least it wasn’t emitting radiation. First thing in the morning, I’d read again. I’d compare cars in magazines, binge kids’ mags & everything.

Now, times have changed. I don’t read newspapers anymore although sometimes I do, and I always feel better (and informed) when I do but mostly, I don’t. In 2024, I set a goal to read 12 books (one a month). I started and failed miserably: finished just 6. This year, 2025, I tried the same goal. It’s november, and I’ve read 2. I want to read; I procrastinate.

Things have changed. The pillow isn’t bulky anymore, but it has radiation. I don’t even know if car magazines still exist. Back then, I used to compare torque and horsepower. Now I just feel motivated about cars after watching some 15-second edit from a motivational channel. But half the time, I’m not even sure if the car’s got power under the hood or if I’m just reacting to the music and lighting. We used to care about what was inside, now we just stare at the shine outside (in case of books as well).

Press enter or click to view image in full sizeWhy can’t we read anymore? | San Francisco Chronicle.