TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's reading habits have significantly declined over the past few years.
According to the Ministry of Culture, the average number of books read per person was 8.5 in 2015, dropping to four in 2018.
A survey by the United Daily News in 2019 also showed over 40% of Taiwanese hadn't read a book in the past year.
The rise of technology and digital devices, such as computers, tablets, phones, social media, and streaming platforms, is widely believed to contribute to the decline in reading.
A study published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics has shown that excessive screen time during infancy can negatively impact executive functioning skills by the age of nine.
Taiwan's newly appointed Culture Minister, Shih Che, and President Tsai Ing-wen have encouraged the public to embrace original literature content and to read more.
They recognize the importance of books in preserving cultural and literary heritage and the powerful impact that words can have on people.
As we move into the Year of the Rabbit, consider making book reading your new resolution!
You can also visit the ongoing Taipei International Book Exhibition over the weekend if you want some inspiration.
