What is your response to the claim that books have lost their popularity due to the presence of social media and other digital entertainment?

[Ddwfly]

For Me.
While social media and digital entertainment have indeed transformed the way we consume media, books continue to be cherished by many individuals who value the unique experience, knowledge, and storytelling they provide. It's important to recognize that different forms of media can coexist and cater to different preferences and needs. How About You?

Warm regards from me [https://groups.google.com/g/ddwfly]

[Vale]

Before social media and other digital entertainment, books were a big source for folks to move in their day-to-day lives. Yes, social media is a very big influence especially for the younger generation who is growing up on these platforms but, the older generation are the ones responsible in showing gen-z how awesome books are. Books are still beloved by people of all ages and in some places the only source of knowledge. In the US books are just as popular as smart devices I'd say.

[Ash :)]

I think before social media and the rise of streaming/digital entertainment books were a great focal point for accessable entertainment in multiple facets and were a drawn interest. I think however that social media has allowed for individuals who have been raised on or participating in to connect over their similarities including interests in books. I think a large challenge not focused on within digital spaces is that just because someone likes something doesnt mean everyone will, this goes for books and technology equally but I believe that they both provide users/readers with access to creative outlets. I would say that they havent lost popularity at all.

[Purvi]

I think it has increased popularity of books even more , i would never have touched a book in my life if not for booktok and booktube

[Ndoyin]

I believe those who understands the importance of books and their Worth can't because of Social media loose their grip to the advantage and usefulness of reading.

[Karsyn]

I have to disagree with that claim. Social media has certainly helped the book industry grow. Books are far more accessible now than they probably ever were. I have access to thousands of books right from my fingertips (kindle, apple, nook, audible... the list goes on)... 24/7, 365 access. Tik tok for one has helped the bookish community grow and reach new fans. Exhibit A) the music artist, Russ, creating the song "NASTY" that grew largely because of booktok, and then in turn made Russ go out and read more books recommended to him, and even re-release that song featuring specific nods to the books he had read. Exhibit B) the NHL team, Seattle Kraken, saw the bookish community interacting most with their posts. They were wise in capitalizing on that, especially during their playoff run this year, simultaneously bringing readers into the hockey community, and hockey fans to the bookish community. These are just two examples out of many more. The digital world has it's downsides sure, but with my own eyes I have seen the popularity of books and readers only grow thanks to social media (I'd go as far to say tik tok playing possibly the largest role lately in that).