In today’s digital era, short videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels have become the primary source of information for many people. With durations of less than 30 seconds, these videos deliver information instantly and engagingly. But do they truly help us understand things in depth?
Short Videos: Quick but Superficial
The advantage of short videos lies in their ability to convey information quickly with visually appealing content. However, the information they provide often scratches only the surface. Worse, the content can become biased or even misleading due to inaccurate editing.
Ironically, many people trust content creators with high views and followers without verifying the accuracy of the information. This raises an important question: Are we still critical when consuming information?
Reading Ability vs. Reading Interest
There is a clear distinction between reading interest and reading ability. Interest refers to curiosity. When we watch a short video, are we intrigued enough to seek the full information from reliable sources or not?
Meanwhile, reading ability is our capacity to thoroughly read and comprehend information. Merely having the desire to read is not enough; we must also have the ability to process the information in its entirety. The ability to absorb and understand information is another matter entirely. Without reading ability, how can we truly understand the information?
To address this, we need to cultivate reading interest, then enhance reading ability, and ultimately achieve the goal of understanding the content we read.
Baca juga : The The Almighty Netizen? Or Is It Just a Matter of Perspective?
Solution: Watch, But Don’t Swallow It Whole
Short videos are not entirely bad. They can serve as an initial source of inspiration but must be balanced with the habit of reading reliable sources. Here are some tips:
- Verify the Information Source: After watching a video, look for articles or books to understand the topic more comprehensively.
- Use Videos as a Trigger for Curiosity: Don’t stop at a brief summary.
- Teach Digital Literacy: Encourage children and young people to always verify the information they receive.
Conclusion
As Millennials and Gen Zs who are beginning to step into parenthood, we bear significant responsibility. Our habits in consuming information set an example for our children. If we rely solely on viral videos, how will they learn to delve deeper into understanding information?
Reading interest won’t increase if we keep opting for instant ways of consuming information. Strong literacy skills are crucial for building a society that is critical and resistant to biased information.
So, are you ready to start reading more deeply and broadly?
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