bhaskar saikia

In an era where information is just a click away and debates unfold in real-time across screens, forming an opinion seems easier than ever. News articles, vlogs, blogs — all flood our feeds, each claiming to deliver the full picture. But I’ve learned that true understanding rarely comes from these fast-flowing streams. It comes from slowing down — and reading books.

While news and debates are useful for staying updated, they often skim the surface. Books, on the other hand, offer depth, context and space for reflection — a level of engagement that’s hard to find in today’s algorithm-driven content landscape.

Most digital platforms today run on algorithms designed not to educate but to captivate. News feeds and video recommendations are tailored to your preferences, ensuring you stay hooked — but not necessarily informed. This curation often amplifies biases, reinforcing beliefs rather than challenging them.

Unlike these ever-adapting digital feeds, books are static. They don’t adjust their content to fit your mood or beliefs. When you pick up a book, you engage with an author’s full, unfiltered exploration of a subject, free from algorithmic interference.

Books provide continuity and immersion. They invite you to sit with an idea longer, to understand its roots and branches, rather than skimming over its surface. They resist the trend of instant consumption and distraction, and they cannot be altered mid-read by a hidden algorithm aiming to capture your attention.

While even books can hold bias, their structure and depth encourage critical thinking, something the quick-swipe culture of digital content often sidelines. Reading books helps us resist becoming passive recipients of algorithm-approved content.

AI has refined the art of keeping us divided and distracted — especially across political and social lines — by feeding us content tailored to spark emotion rather than understanding. Books stand apart as tools for independent thinking, allowing readers to form opinions on their own terms.

The more digital feeds mold our thoughts, the more urgent it becomes to embrace the slow, steady rhythm of books. In this age, choosing to read is an act of reclaiming your intellectual autonomy.

Books remind us that knowledge isn’t a race, nor is it measured by the number of headlines consumed. It’s about depth, context and thoughtful engagement — qualities that algorithms rarely prioritize. In the Age of social media and AI, reading a book is not just an escape; it’s an act of rebellion. If you want to form lasting, grounded opinions, start with a book. No algorithm can replace the clarity that deep reading brings.