The Importance of a Reading Culture in Building a Critical-Thinking Society
A reading culture is a vital element in the development of a nation. However, there is concern regarding the level of interest in reading among Malaysian society today, which is seen as not yet reaching a satisfactory level.
According to expert observations, a lack of deep reading habits can affect the quality of public discourse. When society reads less, they may find it difficult to perform critical analysis on information received from various sources, especially on social media.
Furthermore, consistent reading habits are the key to continuous self-education. Without the effort to keep learning and seeking knowledge, society will be more easily influenced by inaccurate information or fake news that is widely spread.
Therefore, efforts to cultivate a reading culture must be intensified at all age levels. Schools, higher education institutions, and local communities play an important role in providing access to quality reading materials to encourage more analytical thinking.
In conclusion, building a reading culture is not just about increasing knowledge, but also about producing a wiser and more mature society. With an informed society, the quality of discourse and the future of the country can be improved for the better.