Why the Importance of Reading Still Resonates in a Digital World

In an era overflowing with devices and streaming feeds, one voice recently reminded us about theimportance of reading. Tenth-grader Stacey Allison S. Vincecruz delivered a TEDx talk at TEDxMHPNHS Youth, now posted on YouTube on April 29, 2025, where she painted a compelling case for why books still matter. Speaking not as a scholar or industry expert but as a student and reader, she called on her audience to see books not as relics but as tools for self-discovery, knowledge, and culture.

Stacey opened her talk with a personal anecdote that challenged her expectations. On her 14th birthday, she visited the National Library of the Philippines—expecting a haven of literature, only to find rooms dominated by computer tables and barely any books in sight. That experience became a turning point. It pushed her to examine how society has shifted away from physical books and into screens and what we lose when we fail to keep those spaces alive with stories.

Books Help Us Think, Feel, and Grow

Stacey believes that books go beyond words on paper. They shape how people think, stretch their imaginations, and develop empathy. She explained how reading lets individuals see through someone else’s eyes—whether it’s a fictional hero or a nonfiction narrator recounting real events. That emotional depth often doesn’t come through in short-form digital content or fast-paced apps.

She cited research to back her observations. A 2010 study followed a group of individuals diagnosed with depression who joined regular reading groups. Over time, they reported greater self-confidence and stronger emotional understanding. Stacey connected this with her own experience: reading helped her understand people better, even those with different views.

She also pointed out how physical books promote longer attention spans. In contrast, digital platforms often bombard users with notifications, ads, and distractions. She shared how those rapid interruptions not only break focus but reduce comprehension. Devices, she argued, often demand constant attention, making it harder to retain what’s being consumed.

Another point she raised was the reward we feel after finishing a book. There’s a psychological payoff, a sense of completion that feeds motivation. Finishing a printed novel feels more satisfying than clicking through endless pages on a screen. That connection between effort and reward strengthens the learning process—and reinforces the importance of reading in everyday life.

Libraries Should Reflect Our Stories

The TEDx talk also served as a gentle critique of how libraries in the Philippines—and, by extension, public spaces of knowledge—underutilize their power. While highlighting Jose Rizal’s manuscripts, she noted how the National Library failed to celebrate a broader range of Filipino voices. She encouraged institutions to spotlight more authors from the country—not just historical icons but living writers who capture modern realities and diverse experiences.

For Stacey, national identity finds strength in local literature. Books by Nick Joaquin, Francisco Arcellana, and Edith Tiempo should sit on the same shelves as global bestsellers. When young readers see their lives, languages, and cultures in stories, they connect more to their heritage and community.

But Stacey’s call isn’t anti-technology. She acknowledges the benefits of digital tools. Instead of resisting innovation, she urges a balance—where libraries integrate both digital access and physical collections. In her words, these resources can work together to serve more people completely.

The talk reminds us that while platforms and media may evolve, the need for deep thinking, reflective learning, and shared stories remains the same. The format might change, but the goal—understanding the world and ourselves—stays true. That’s the enduring importance of reading, and Stacey’s perspective proves that even young voices can lead this conversation with insight and heart.