Live data from Hacker News

If You Quit Social Media, Will You Read More Books?

newyorker.com

1–10 of 99 posts

Re: If You Quit Social Media, Will You Read More Books?

#3
Yes? At least this is what I've found. The only major social media account I have now is my Mastodon account. Not using X/BlueSky/Threads - I find I have more time to myself - my book count this last year has gone from near-zero to at least one book a month now.

Re: If You Quit Social Media, Will You Read More Books?

#7
Yes and no. I read a lot, but in "bursts." My iPad is full of books; many that I have read, many that I have yet to read.

But I use most of my free time writing software. I also tend to do that in "bursts."

Haven't looked at Facebook in many months. Never did Twitter/X. In fact, the only place I spend much time online, is ... here. Most of my karma is from comments, not submissions.

So I guess I don't get out much.

Re: If You Quit Social Media, Will You Read More Books?

#8
I quit social media many years ago and to answer the question: No, I just watch Youtube. If I could stop watching Youtube, I'm totally sure I'd finally be able to read books again /s

The problem is the award delay. In Youtube, I get my "award" in 10 minutes max. Starting to enjoy a book requires 1-2 hours investment, and the award can be anything between 1 and 10 in a scale of 10 (while median being more like 7), and Youtube is 3-6 with a rare 9.

I read a lot of self-improvement books lately, or heard to be honest. They didn't help me start reading. Atomic Habits came close.

I have (diagnosed, yet untreated, because of side effects) ADHD though. So maybe not the typical experience. I also couldn't read much (or do any homework) as a child.

Currently trying to stop myself from starting with short videos.

Re: If You Quit Social Media, Will You Read More Books?

#10

Yes and no. I read a lot, but in "bursts." My iPad is full of books; many that I have read, many that I have yet to read. But I use most of my free time writing software. I also tend to do that in "bursts." Haven't looked at Facebook in many months. Never did Twitter/X. In fact, the only place I spend much time online, is ... here . Most of my karma is from comments, not submissions. So I guess I don't get out much.

Pretty much this.

I literally don't out much [out of my house]. I would not, even if I had no MS and had no mobility issues.

I am being here, cozy, writing software. When I am not writing software, I just watch a movie, and then I write software again, and the cycle repeats.

It is bad for your health though, especially mine. We should at the very least do some exercises at home.

Post reply on HN