How can we evaluate the culture of reading in our society?

It's no doubt that reading books are one of the most recommended ways to improve your knowledge and abilities. After I graduated from university, I haven't read books regularly. Although I like reading, I don't have enough time to do it. it's not an acceptable excuse.

According to official figures, the rate of reading in our society is under the world's average. There are some reasons why people don't read books or newspapers regularly. Firstly, they prefer to watch TV or surf the net instead of reading a book or newspaper. It's worth bearing in mind that the programs and series of TV are easy to understand and more fascinating. In addition, when you are surfing the net you can get loads of information in a short while, but unfortunately they don't keep in your mind for a long time. It seems to me that, another reason for this cultural trouble is the price of books and magazines. Most of the magazines and books are so expensive particularly for low-income and middle-income people; therefore this part of the society can't afford to buy magazines and books regularly. In comparison, watching TV is free of charge and surfing net has appropriate costs. Another main reason is that, unfortunately, the books, magazines and press publications are not supported by science and culture ministry, or citizens in Iran.

As a consequence it should be noted that cultural matters should override all other issues in our society. The role of educational system is crucial. Firstly, reading should be trained to the children in kindergartens and primary schools. Secondly, Educational programs can be produced by media to encourage people to buy and read books and press. In addition, the entire budget of publishing books and magazines should be boosted dramatically by government. As far as the budget is raised up, schools and universities can dedicate the variety of grants and loans to their students for buying books and magazines. People should be aware that all the data of internet is not reliable. However, everyone can write in internet, you can't trust all the information you receive. Plenty of sites have some nasty or nonsense data which are not based on science. Assuming that all these fundemental improvments occure, the fruitful repercussions of these changes can be seen in our society clearly in the following years.

There is no doubt that reading is one of one of the best ways to enhance knowledge and wisdom.



.... you can include everything under TV program category.


...."instant" is a better key word to use here


.... this is not a cultural issue.... reading culture means getting almost everybody into the habit of reading and not anything to do with country's existing culture

Thank you so much Dumi. I really appreciate your help. I am going to consider all of the points you mentioned.
Sam