Less reading, more Internet

It is the usual problem or challenge all around the world. Governments are complaining that people read less books and they see it as a serious challenge. So in China, the percentage of people reading books has dropped steeply in recent years, with an average annual decline of 8.7 percent since 1998.

However, the question has to be raised, if those who go to the Internet are not actually accessing websites that are enlightening or knowledge-enhancing? There is the difference of people going online to play games, access pornography or gaming sites and those that go online to enhance their knowledge.

And books, as beautiful and enriching as they are, are stagnant, one-sided. The author writes a book, publishes it and it is sold. There is no interaction with the reading public, or hardly. However, the web enhances this interactivity - via blogs, for example, authors can reach out to their readers, capture feedback, discuss new developments. There are enough examples in all areas of interest where this is happening and it is ongoing, and real-time. There are even books that are pushed via SMS. This is something that a "normal" book, or even a newspaper will never be able to achieve. So while it is important for people - children and adults - to read, in order to nurture their minds, it has to be acknowledged that the web is another medium to enhance the experience.

(By Asia Business Consulting)