Online Reading

Online reading, Is it reading?

A constant struggle for parents and teachers today is the struggle to inspire children and teenagers to read. In a technology driven age, the internet and video games attract the attention of teens better than a book. Many of the teens choose reading online; however, can this really be considered reading. As a high school English teacher, future professor, writer, and overall lover of books—it concerns me that most reading today is done online. Many write it off as “At least they are reading”, but I cannot bring myself to believe that the types of things they are reading online are actually anything more than entertainment. I give credit to websites like fanfiction.net for creating a place where teens can tap into their creative juices. However, with not editing process involved, work that is littered with grammar and mechanics errors are left on the web for all to read. English grammar and spelling are difficult enough without the added confusion of published works that are riddled with errors. Captain Underpants, is a prime example of this type of writing. However, this is published. What kind of message does it send out youth if we publish work with improper writing?

My issue with online reading is not that it is online. Though I personally am not a fan of e-books, they are a great alternative to the unedited incorrect work that teenagers are reading. Since this generation is so technology driven, they would not have to take as much time to learn the e-book process. Therefore, they might appreciate an e-book more than I did. With so many of the classics available through free e-book providers, they are a much better alternative for teenagers to read. Maybe, if we can get them to read something other than fanfitcion.net or their favorite celebrity’s webpage, then it might end up doing some good and they will in fact be reading.

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