Vogue Singapore
Examing my love-hate relationship with BookTok
The social media phenomenon of BookTok is one that has captivated readers across the world—but is it doing more harm than good?
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BookTok's Shallow Dive: How Anti-Intellectualism Threatens Literary Appreciation
BookTok's Shallow Dive: How Anti-Intellectualism Threatens Literary Appreciation BookTok, a corner of TikTok dedicated to book reviews and discussions, has exploded in popularity. However, a worrying trend of anti-intellectualism is overshadowing thoughtful analysis. Bookishwithb, a BookTok creator, highlights this issue, noting a preference for superficial content over nuanced discussions. "Someone categorised Lolita as forbidden love and I knew the end of times was near," bookishwithb says in her video, illustrating the simplification of complex literature. She points to the popular novel "The Poppy War" as an example. While some creators focus on the book's strong female protagonist, they often overlook its complex themes of war and trauma. This simplification, she argues, is driven by the algorithm's preference for short, attention-grabbing content. This trend, she fears, is negatively impacting the publishing world, leading to a decline in the appreciation of complex narratives. Bookishwithb's concerns resonate with many who value deeper engagement with literature. Her video has garnered significant attention, highlighting the importance of thoughtful discussion in the digital age. The rise of BookTok presents a unique opportunity to engage a wider audience with literature, but it requires a conscious effort to avoid reducing complex works to simplistic tropes. The future of literary appreciation on BookTok hinges on a shift towards more intellectual discourse.
