At its core, this shift isn’t about literature — it’s about looking like a reader. Books have become an accessory, a personality trait and a status symbol. As a result, people are reading more visibly than ever. The joy of getting lost in a story, of struggling with complex ideas and of truly reading seems to be fading.
Although the initial ban lasted less than a day, from Jan. 18 – 19, it has been a major talking point for almost a year. Millions of American content creators — both big and small — have feared the loss of their income sources, while users have mourned the loss of community and sense of belonging.
The problem of the current media is that it overlooks the core of the coming-of-age story. Creators prioritize superficial means of connection versus timeless, emotional ones.
