Weaving Back the Reading Habit of Students in the AI Era

By Dr. Abdul Wadud Nafis, LC., MEI

Amid the rapidly advancing digital revolution that is shaking the world of education, we find ourselves at a crossroads between technological sophistication and the strength of tradition. The era of artificial intelligence (AI), which has arrived so quickly, brings with it an unprecedented wave of information. An increasing number of platforms, applications, and smart devices offer everything we need with just a touch of a finger. However, in this extraordinary speed, have we forgotten the deepest roots of learning? Have we abandoned the habit of reading books, which has long been a cornerstone of human intelligence since ancient times?

The academic life of students is now exposed to various conveniences in accessing information, but does all of this replace the essence of deeper understanding? Books, which have long been an invaluable source of knowledge, seem to be pushed aside by the digital ease of instant access. So, where does the book stand in this fast-paced era? Is it still relevant, or has it become something that is gradually being left behind?

Let us reflect. Amid the surge of technology, the habit of reading books has not only become a literacy activity, but a journey to delve deeper, discover one’s identity, and build a strong intellectual capacity. This is a challenge for all of us—especially for the younger generation who holds the future—to not only become consumers of information but also creators and processors of it with the wisdom that comes from profound understanding. Here, we need a blend of advanced technology and the habit of reading books to produce sharper, more critical, and innovative thinking.

In the rapidly growing era of artificial intelligence (AI), the habit of reading books among students faces a major challenge. The abundance of information available through various digital platforms and AI-based applications has changed the way we access knowledge. With just a few clicks, students can obtain various references, articles, or even videos that deliver information quickly and practically. However, this habit tends to lead to the consumption of information that is superficial and fragmented, which often does not provide the same depth as reading a book thoroughly.

Books, as a primary source of structured and in-depth knowledge, provide a more holistic learning experience. When reading a book, students do not only acquire facts or brief information, but also engage in a deeper thinking process. Books allow readers to reflect, analyze, and understand a concept or idea more thoroughly. This aspect is often lost in the fast-paced digital information consumption, which sometimes does not provide space for students to explore meaning more broadly.

On the other hand, AI can be a very useful tool to enrich the reading experience. With AI’s ability to filter and provide information related to specific topics, students can more easily find relevant and in-depth references from various sources. This technology should not be seen as a replacement for books but as a complement. AI can be used to access various scientific articles, journals, or other materials that can enrich students’ understanding, but books still play an essential role in providing a more comprehensive understanding.

Lecturers and educators have a key role in reviving the reading habit among students. One way is by integrating books as the primary reading material in every course, rather than relying solely on digital reading materials or easily accessible articles. Book-based discussions can be an effective means of exploring the topics being studied more deeply, giving students the opportunity to not only understand theories but also critique and evaluate them thoroughly. In addition, university libraries should continue to innovate by providing collections of books in digital formats so that students can easily access them without diminishing the desire to read books conventionally.

Students also need to be encouraged to realize the importance of reading books in honing critical and analytical thinking skills. Books are not only sources of information but also tools for training logical and structured thinking. Amid the fast-flowing stream of information, reading books offers an opportunity to understand deeper concepts and see various perspectives that may not appear in more concise and limited information.

The presence of AI should not make us forget the essence of reading books. On the contrary, AI can support a broader and deeper learning process, enriching the reading experience with faster and more relevant information. By combining this advanced technology with the habit of deep reading, students will be able to utilize the available resources to create a better understanding, not just acquire information. In this context, technology and books should work together, creating a balanced and effective learning ecosystem.

Amid the roaring development of technology, let us preserve the legacy of the book-reading habit as the key to exploring deeper knowledge and building a future full of understanding. Books remain an irreplaceable foundation in our intellectual journey, even as the world continues to turn faster with digital sophistication.

References

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