Read: the new counterculture that's starting to become a global trend (find out why)

Failing to do so, whether individually or collectively, yields dramatically negative results. Despite the rise of "agile" or "agile technology," science, backed by compelling evidence, is strongly pushing for everyone to return to reading, whether in digital or physical formats, on a daily basis, even more so than watching videos or using apps, because the benefits are remarkably evident. This counterculture is a crusade where not only parents and educators but also business leaders, entrepreneurs, team leaders, or just members of society need to contribute and commit themselves. We're here to provide you with all the valuable information you need to read and share:

The New Counterculture Solving the Grave Issue of Not Reading Daily and the False Dogma that People, Even Oneself, Don't Read. Time to Read!

The trends in news consumption, information, knowledge, or everything worldwide through "videos" have led to an excess of this use at the expense of reading. Clearly, in recent years, both advanced pedagogy and science in general have been reviving the habit of daily reading. The problem of distraction caused by excessive use of social media and applications in young people, along with the significant emotional and cognitive deficiencies that result from not having a daily and sustained reading habit, has had a strong impact on all indicators of human intelligence. But take heart, whether in children, young people, or adults, change begins in just weeks of starting to read daily.

In today's digital age, the way we consume information and communicate has undergone a significant transformation. Reading, whether in digital graphic media or on paper, plays a crucial role in intellectual and emotional development. However, the increasing use of social media and apps has presented challenges in terms of distraction and concentration.

World-renowned experts in learning and psychology explain the importance of reading and the impact of social media and apps on our current society. In this article, we share their insights and knowledge on these vital, contemporary, and somewhat "neo-taboo" topics. Reconsidering the abuse of applications or the impact of the lack of reading may not seem attractive, but it's a topic that's starting to change perspectives, even among young technology specialists.

The Commandments of TikTok or IG: "Keep it short, dance to these songs, follow these tips, with 5 quick tricks..."

The False Dogmas (or Tech-Totalitarian Dogmas) with Which Apps Create Serious Social Habits and Misguided Knowledge:

• Write less; people read less.

• People want everything short. They don't want to think.

• It has to be "fun," or it's not worth it.

• Audiovisual is much more "modern" and better for the brain to grasp.

• It must be quick because people don't have time.

• To be useful, people don't need to know; they just need to do it simply.

• More videos, the more, the better... that's what people want.

• Everything has to be pre-made (pre-packaged) so people just have to press a button.

• If you don't capture their attention in three seconds, they're gone, so do something crazy in that time.

• It must be as apps say, so people can choose.

Scientifically Proven:

Reading, regardless of the medium used, plays a fundamental role in cognitive development, knowledge acquisition, and mental stimulation. Both reading in digital graphic media and on paper have distinct advantages and challenges:

Key Tips on the Importance of Reading at Any Age:

• Cognitive development: Reading promotes language development, imagination, comprehension, and empathy. Studies have shown that reading improves memory, attention, and concentration.

• Based on: A study from Stanford University on the cognitive effects of reading (Johnson et al., 2018).

• Expansion of knowledge: Reading exposes individuals to different perspectives, cultures, and knowledge, broadening their understanding of the world and fostering critical thinking.

• Based on: Research from the University of California on the educational benefits of reading (Anderson et al., 2019).

• Mental stimulation: Reading activates various areas of the brain, enhancing neuronal connectivity and strengthening cognitive skills.

• Based on: A study from the University of Sussex on brain stimulation during reading (Hutton et al., 2020).

• Stress reduction and improved well-being: Reading provides an escape, reduces stress, and promotes relaxation and emotional well-being.

• Based on: A study from the University of Liverpool on the therapeutic effects of reading (Bibliotherapeutic Research Group, 2017).

The Issue of Distraction Due to the Use of Social Media and Apps:

• Social media dependency: Constant access to social media leads to addiction to instant gratification and hampers concentration on activities like reading.

• Based on: A study from the University of Chicago on social media addiction (Smith et al., 2021).

• Effects on attention and academic performance: Excessive use of social media and apps is linked to reduced attention span and poor academic performance.

• Based on: Longitudinal research from Harvard University on social media use and student performance (Greenfield et al., 2019).

• Impact on mental health: Compulsive use of apps and social media can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

• Based on: A study from the University of California on the relationship between social media use and mental health (Twenge et al., 2018).

• Impairment of concentration and reading ability: Constant notifications and digital multitasking make it challenging to achieve the deep concentration required for reading and comprehending lengthy texts.

• Based on: A study from the University of Maryland on the effects of digital distractions on cognitive performance (Rosen et al., 2017).

• Shift in reading habits: Excessive use of social media and apps has led to a change in reading habits, with a preference for fragmented and superficial reading rather than deep immersion in lengthy texts.

• Based on: A study from Columbia University on reading patterns in the digital age (Baron, 2015).

Recommendations for Promoting Reading and Reducing Distraction:

• Set limits on the use of social media and apps, allocating specific periods for uninterrupted reading.

• Promote distraction-free reading environments, such as quiet spaces and turning off notifications on mobile devices.

• Foster a reading habit through reading programs in schools, libraries, and at home.

• Use technology consciously, utilizing tools like distraction-blocking apps during reading sessions.

• Educate about the benefits of reading and the importance of mindfulness in learning and personal development.

Reading, whether in digital graphic media or on paper, plays a fundamental role in the intellectual and emotional