Julia Ribeiro, freshman psychology major, scrolls through TikTok when looking for a good book to read.
“Everything is so connected on the internet. You can find posts on books about something you might be interested in reading, and TikTok is the biggest app [on which] I can find recommendations,” Ribeiro said.
Over the past few years, platforms like TikTok, YouTube and Instagram have encouraged young adults to read with diverse, enjoyable recommendations.
“BookTok is a corner of TikTok where readers, authors and book lovers come together to talk about books,” said Ruth Shaw, youth services librarian at The Alvin Sherman Library, Research and Information Technology Center.
In search of more books to read, Ribeiro plans to check out books from the library.
“I have only checked out one book so far, but I plan to check more books in the future because there is a lot you can find in the library that is interesting,” Ribeiro said.
Shaw said that social media platforms are introducing people to books and stories that they can relate to and that they feel represented in.
“BookTok and Instagram are so influential that people found an untitled book by Rebecca Yaros. The novel, “The Red Tower,” will only be published on Nov. 7 and it is already one of the No. 1 best sellers on the website. This wouldn’t be happening if it wasn’t for BookTok. It’s a great way to spread the word,” Shaw said.
Not only do social media platforms help people find their passion for books, but they also help writers promote and sell their books.
“[Writers] have the opportunity to say, ‘Hey this book is coming out, maybe you will want to read it,’ before it’s even published,” Shaw said. “Moreover, it’s inspiring young people to put their stories out there and follow their path in writing. Some teenagers are having books being published even before finishing college.”
The Alvin Sherman Library makes sure to stock up on popular BookTok books for students to enjoy. Shaw mentioned that two popular works, Colleen Hoover’s “Fourth Wing” series and Casey McQuiston’s “Red White & Royal Blue,” are available.
“We do we try to purchase almost anything that’s trending,” Shaw said.
Students like Katherine Vitebsky, freshman computer science major, take advantage of the library having popular books available for checkout.
“I bought books from social media that were promoted by big BookTok creators. I think it’s cool that you can get a popular book from our library that you would see on social media without having to buy it. It gives readers an idea of what they want to read without spending money on something that they perhaps wouldn’t like,” Vitebsky said.
Be the first to comment on "Social media influencing young adults to read"