Consumerism of Literature: Booktok's Impact on Students Understanding of Academic Literature

written by : Mundzirul Umam EL-Abqory Kau

supervised by : Muziatun S.Pd, M.App. Ling, PHD

In recent years, social media platforms have increasingly influenced various aspects of our lives, including our reading habits and literary preferences. One notable phenomenon is the rise of BookTok, a subcommunity on TikTok dedicated to book recommendations and discussions. This mini-research is conducted  to explore the impact of BookTok on students' understanding and consumption of academic literature.

The BookTok Phenomenon

BookTok has exploded onto the literary scene, turning the publishing world upside down. With just a few swipes, this TikTok phenomenon can launch unknown books into the spotlight, creating instant bestsellers. Users create short videos recommending books, sharing reactions, and discussing literary themes. While this has led to increased reading engagement among young people, it has also raised questions about the depth and extent of literary exploration encouraged by the platform itself.

But first, what is BookTok? #BookTok serves readers who are enthusiastic about authors, series, and genres, including adults. When hundreds of people started posting their opinions and book recommendations on TikTok videos during the pandemic, #BookTok really took off. More than 167.3 billion views have been made on #BookTok since then.(The Social Institute)

Impact on Students' Reading Habits

1. Popularity-driven choices: BookTok often promotes a select group of popular titles, potentially narrowing students' exposure to many and diverse literary works.

2. Short-form content: The platform's brief video format may encourage quick, surface-level engagement with books rather than deep, critical analysis.

3. Genre preferences: BookTok tends to favor certain genres, particularly young adult fiction and romance, potentially at the expense of classic literature and academic texts.

Implications for Academic Literature

1. Shortened attention spans: The fast-paced nature of TikTok content may make it challenging for students to engage with longer, more complex academic texts.

2. Emphasis on emotional appeal: BookTok recommendations often focus on emotional reactions, which may not align with the analytical approach required in academic settings.

3. Simplified interpretations: Complex literary themes may be reduced to easily digestible soundbites, potentially undermining deeper understanding.

Potential Benefits

1. Increased reading engagement: BookTok has reignited interest in reading among young people, which could serve as a gateway to more academic pursuits.

2. Community-building: The platform facilitates discussions about books, potentially enhancing students' ability to articulate literary opinions.

3. Exposure to diverse voices: Some BookTok creators promote works by underrepresented authors, broadening students' literary horizons.

Strategies for Educators

1. Incorporate popular titles: Use BookTok-popular books as a bridge to introduce more challenging academic texts for the students.

2. Teach critical evaluation: Help students develop skills to critically assess book recommendations and distinguish between popular appeal and literary merit.

3. Encourage diverse reading: Promote a wide range of literature, including academic texts, to widen students' literary exposure.

While BookTok has undoubtedly increased reading engagement among students, its impact on the understanding of academic literature is complex. Educators and students must navigate this new environment carefully, leveraging the platform's benefits while having its potential drawbacks. By encouraging students to question what they read and explore beyond the trending titles, we can make BookTok a springboard for deeper literary adventures, not a barrier.

References

Dera, Jeroen & Brouwer, Susanne & Welling, Anna. (2023). #BookTok's appeal on ninth-grade students: An inquiry into students' responses on a social media revelation. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy. 67. 1-12. 10.1002/jaal.1303.

Jerasa, Sarah & Boffone, Trevor. (2021). BookTok 101: TikTok, Digital Literacies, and OutofSchool Reading Practices. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy. 65. 10.1002/jaal.1199. 

https://thesocialinstitute.com/blog/social-media-is-igniting-students-passion-for-reading-through-booktok/