Singapore Pays Citizens To Read Books: Could Nepal Use Similar Ideas To Fight Doomscrolling?
Singapore has introduced a programme that rewards citizens for spending time reading books, aiming to reduce excessive phone scrolling and improve concentration. The initiative raises a question for Nepal, where smartphone and social media use among young people continues to grow.
· 3 min read
As Social Media Use Rises, Should Nepal Encourage Young People To Spend More Time Reading?
Singapore has introduced a new initiative that rewards citizens for reading books for at least 15 minutes a day in an effort to reduce the growing habit of endless scrolling on smartphones.
The programme allows readers to collect virtual points by recording their daily reading sessions. After completing enough sessions, the points can be exchanged for small cash rewards.
The idea is not only to increase the number of books people read, but also to encourage habits linked with better concentration, imagination and critical thinking.
Singapore’s Response To The Digital Age
Singapore’s National Library Board launched the initiative as digital distractions continue to increase worldwide.
Melissa Tam, chief executive of Singapore’s National Library Board, said reading habits can be developed through small and consistent steps in a world where people have unlimited access to online content.
Today, people can quickly scroll through hundreds of headlines, watch short videos and receive instant summaries of almost any topic.
While digital platforms provide easy access to information, experts and educators have raised concerns about reduced attention spans and declining interest in long-form reading.
Is Nepal Facing The Same Challenge?
Nepal is also experiencing a rapid growth in smartphone and social media use, especially among younger generations.
Platforms such as:
TikTok
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
have become major sources of entertainment, news and information for millions of Nepalis.
However, the rise of short-form content has changed how many people consume information. Quick videos and short posts often replace longer forms of learning, including books, research articles and newspapers.
Libraries and traditional reading spaces in Nepal have struggled to attract young readers, while smartphones have become the first choice for entertainment during free time.
Could A Reading Reward System Work In Nepal?
Singapore’s initiative raises an important question for Nepal:
Could small incentives encourage young people to build a daily reading habit?
A similar approach in Nepal could include:
School-based reading challenges
Community library programmes
Digital book platforms
Reading competitions with rewards
Public campaigns promoting book culture
Rather than only focusing on reducing screen time, encouraging alternative habits could help young people balance digital consumption with deeper learning.
Nepal’s Reading Culture In A Changing Era
Nepal has a long literary tradition, with generations growing up reading novels, poems, newspapers and magazines.
However, changing lifestyles, increased internet access and the popularity of short digital content have transformed how people spend their time.
The challenge today may not only be access to books, but creating the motivation and habit to choose reading over endless scrolling.
A Question For Nepal
In a world where a few seconds of scrolling can replace hours of reading, countries are exploring new ways to rebuild attention and curiosity.
Singapore’s experiment raises a question for Nepal:
Should Nepal introduce creative ideas, such as rewards for reading, to encourage young people to return to books? Or should the focus remain on building healthier digital habits?
Published Yesterday in Nepal