Insta-Reading: Dutch Reading Habits According to Social Media

Abstract

This research tests whether early adolescents could benefit from a targeted reading encouragement approach through the use of social media appliances. Recent academic research combined with an empirical sample should provide the best method for a continuingly functional approach. As language and appliances in the world of social media are ever evolving, research will have to keep moving forward alongside these changes. Early adolescents could benefit most from targeted reading encouragement through the use of social media platforms if a separate account exists, aimed especially at youth, using engaging posts and the right influencers. These influencers can be famous Dutch citizens with a public interest for literature but they can also be peers. Instagram and Tiktok are the best available methods at the moment and should be employed with qualitative pictures and relevant and necessary content. It would be wise to invite some early adolescents into the posting process to avoid a communication gap between researchers and the researched. Due to the interference of COVID-19, this research sadly received a lot less response than originally intended. The empirical part of this research therefore functions as a sample, more attentive than argumentative. Further research should be supported by broader empirical research. This research uses social media’s probable popularity as a tool to further the educative purpose of reading encouragement. How could early adolescents benefit from targeted reading encouragement through the use of social media platforms?