Short reads are becoming more popular among Gen Z students, while long reads are gradually losing their appeal in the digital age, pointed out UAE educators.
A recent poll by YouGov in the UK revealed that 40 per cent of Britons haven’t read or listened to a book in the past year. The survey also found that the average British adult read or listened to three books last year.
Meanwhile, academics in the UAE stressed that reading long-form texts, such as books, remains crucial for success in higher education and various professions. They also pointed out that changes in young individuals’ reading habits could have major implications for education, the workforce, and families.
Mohammedali Kottakkulam, Principal, The Central School Dubai, said, “In today’s world, where digital distractions are everywhere, the appeal for short reads is hard to ignore. With education focusing more on bite-sized content and multimedia, the way Gen-Z reads is changing. These short-form pieces offer quick knowledge but often lack the depth needed to develop critical thinking skills.”
Therefore, school heads believe in striking a balance. “While we acknowledge the value of quick reads, we place a strong emphasis on reading full-length books. Our students dive into the culture of reading, participate in lively book clubs, and take part in thoughtful literary discussions.”
Schools are designing curricula to help students hone their reading abilities, enabling them to engage with complex stories and explore various perspectives.
“But it doesn’t stop there; we actively nurture a reading culture through engaging library programmes, immersive storytelling sessions, and read-aloud sessions by staff and students. We also work closely with parents to encourage reading habits at home.
“Our goal is to inspire students to think critically about what they read and engage deeply with literature. Combining contemporary reading practices with a strong appreciation for classic works prepares students for a future where knowledge is vast, yet true understanding remains invaluable,” added Kottakkulam.
Principals also underlined that the reading material volume available today has significantly increased.
Arogya Reddy, Principal, Ambassador School Sharjah, said, “As a result, schools provide numerous resources and encourage students to read. However, children are now more engaged with social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat, which expose them to a vast amount of unfiltered information in various formats. This shift in content consumption makes them less inclined to read traditional books or digital texts.
“The strong visual appeal of social media often influences children more than the depth of the information itself. With the rise of audiovisual content, books are now available in audio formats, and comics have been transformed into animations. Consequently, children prefer watching content rather than reading it. Even in kindergarten, where teachers traditionally narrate stories, these stories are now readily accessible as videos on platforms like YouTube, leading both educators and parents to rely on them for storytelling occasionally.”
The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has announced a rich programme of workshops and storytelling sessions across Dubai Public Libraries for Reading Month 2025, held under the slogan ‘UAE Reads.’
This initiative supports the National Policy for Reading 2026, aiming to promote core values, nurture the literary and artistic landscape, and highlight the impact of the written word on individuals and communities.
Dr Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, underscored Dubai Culture’s dedication to fostering a thriving creative ecosystem and encouraging reading as a daily habit.
He said, “Reading Month has become an annual literary and intellectual event, encapsulating cultural values and advancing knowledge across society. It also celebrates writers, intellectuals, and thought leaders through initiatives that nurture an enlightened generation, ready to drive the nation’s development and future aspirations.”
© Khaleej Times
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