Introduction

When asked about their favourite leisure time activity, people rarely pick reading as their favourite one. Other kinesthetic, visual, or even audible ones seem more appealing. They do not perceive the glamorous magic of reading until they behold it in person. With the unlimited technological resources available at their fingertips, adopting reading as a regular pastime becomes more challenging. Yet, reading is the untrodden path to intellectual supremacy. This leads to a major question, i.e., what is the point of reading when one can simply ask ChatGPT and receive answers instantly? Well, there are three, not only one. 

Unleashing Imagination

According to recent studies, reading fosters creativity and innovation. It also reinforces memory by keeping the brain engaged in processing information received. Hence, both short-term and long-term memories are deeply activated when tracking incidents of the piece read. Subsequently, the brain visualizes all aspects read, i.e., the environment, characters, feeling, etc. Eventually, this leads to paying attention to details and creating new connections, resulting in improved problem-solving skills. Moreover, when exposed to books, addressing different cultures, creative thinking is stimulated. As well, the growing mindset is adopted instead of the fixed one. Therefore, coming up with creative ideas happens automatically.  

Seizing the Power of Critical Thinking 

As a major 21st century skill, critical thinking necessitates analysing available information to make decisions accurately. This means dissecting facts presented on a deeper level. Since it is also a higher-order skill, critical thinking goes beyond memorizing the information introduced. It is highly processed for discovering the underlying connections, governing the whole topic investigated. Unlike other digitized activities, reading is a major activity that makes space for such analysis. This process cannot be completed uninterruptedly under the pressure of digital platforms’ hassle. The overwhelming exposure to digital input breaks the cycle of critical thinking. Hence, it is healthier to practice critical thinking skills via reading away from any digitally toxic content.     

Rewiring the Brain

Many assume that they should be in the mood for reading to get started. Nevertheless, reading itself can shift their mood positively. Recent studies confirm the positive impact of reading, leading to less anxiety, enhanced emotional intelligence, and improved mental health. It helps the brain restructure the existing neural connections and develop new ones to adapt to the current situation. When reading about others in fiction, e.g. novels, short stories, and poems, readers usually develop empathy. They get exposed to various perspectives of several situations. Meanwhile, when reading personal development books, they shift their focus to the process of their own development. They are introduced to tools that help them grow and learn resilience. The byproduct of these procedures is unplugging the brain and cleansing it. 

Conclusion

In a nutshell, unlike passive digital activities, reading is a powerful activity, empowering human beings for several reasons. For instance, it fosters imagination via reinforcing creativity and innovation. Furthermore, it enhances critical thinking via analysing information thoroughly to make decisions successfully. Last but not least, it improves mental health and develops emotional intelligence dramatically.