The Digital Age: How Technology is Revolutionizing Literature

by Alix Martineau, Trailblazer Blog Writer

Hey readers!

In this day and age, technology is seeping into every aspect of our lives at an exponential rate. Literature is vastly affected by technology and digitalization. Of course, the world of literature is at a crossroads between tradition and the ever-evolving digital landscape. But how is technology transforming the way in which we create, consume and convey stories? And what are the possibilities that lie ahead?

1. Create

   One of the many advantages of the digital age is that there are many ways to create literature for an extensive audience. Self-publishing is becoming an increasingly popular option for authors with little professional contacts. Technology empowers young writers to get their ideas out into the world. For example, Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing offer writers the perfect way to kick off their writing journey. Coupled with digital marketing on social media, authors can connect with readers and promote their book. 

   Another way that one may which to convey their stories could be by writing Fanfics. This is a creative and imaginative way engaging with readers and building a community. Writers can use existing characters and convey an alternative storyline, or a continuation on Canon and original works. At its core, fanfiction offers a new perspective to readers. Sites such as Wattpad and AO3 are the most common fanfiction archives. It’s a different kind of writing, but nonetheless, it remains a strong way to create stories digitally.

2. Consume

   The way in which we consume literature has also been revolutionized. We have gained greater accessibility through digital reading platforms that enable literature to be read by a global audience. Audiobooks are also a new and modern way of consuming literature. Audiobooks allow people to immerse themselves into books despite not being into reading or perhaps having an impairment. It’s also a very convenient way of enjoying a good book while multitasking. 

   Many readers now own kindles, maybe this is to reduce their clutter of physical books, or perhaps it is to be more environmentally conscious. Whichever reason it is, a lot of readers are choosing to read digitally.

3. Convey

   The media is bursting with different content creators and fellow readers who are looking for and sharing their favourite books. Online communities on social media platforms share book recommendations within the community. This allows readers to create a bookshelf great diversity and variety, seeing all aspects of humanity and the world. People also share their love of books through specific apps that aim to share recommendations. Apps like these include BookBud, Litsy and LibraryThing. Regardless of geographical distance, readers, writers and scholars can connect with each other.
   
   
   

All this is not to say that there aren’t any challenges facing literature in the digital age. With shortened attention spans and a reduced interest in reading, people no longer focus solely on long-form literature. Along with digital reading platforms, there has been a reduction in book printing, which on the one hand is more environmentally friendly but on the other, it is negatively impacting bookstores and people’s jobs. The digital divide is another major problem if books stop being printed. Not everyone has access to digital devices and that may limit access to literature for some individuals. While the digital age brings many advantages for literature, it also brings forward many challenges. We, as a society, need to balance the advantages and disadvantages of digitalization in the realm of literature. 

Thank you for reading this blog. I hope you gained some insight on how digitalization has impacted our way of reading and writing. The fusion of technology and literature is by all means, a new chapter for us, in an ongoing story of human expression.

Happy reading!