Hey everyone,
Lately, I've been feeling a little… overwhelmed. And oddly enough, a big part of that overwhelm was coming from a place I usually find solace: the world of books. Specifically, the highly curated, impossibly fast-paced, and utterly addictive world of BookTok.
Don't get me wrong, I love BookTok. Or at least, I used to. It's an incredible hub for discovering new titles, seeing passionate reviews, and connecting with fellow readers. The sheer energy is infectious.
But somewhere along the line, that energy started to feel less like inspiration and more like a never-ending conveyor belt of "must-reads." Every scroll brought another five-star review, another aesthetically pleasing book stack, another rapid-fire synopsis that made me feel like if I didn't immediately add it to my TBR, I was missing out on the literary experience of a lifetime.
And then there's the comparison game. Everyone seems to be reading at lightning speed, devouring popular titles, and generally being the most productive bookworms on the planet. My own slower, more meandering reading pace started to feel inadequate.
It hit me: instead of feeling relaxed and inspired by books, I was feeling anxious and pressured. The very thing I turned to for escape was becoming another source of digital noise.
So, I did something a little drastic (for me, anyway): I took a break from BookTok.
And you know what? It's been surprisingly liberating.
Rediscovering the Quiet Corner of the Internet
Instead of the endless scroll of short videos, I've found myself gravitating back to an older, quieter corner of the internet: book blogs.
Remember those? The places where people take the time to write thoughtful, in-depth reviews. Where they share personal reading journeys without the pressure of a 60-second timer. Where you can actually read a full paragraph about why someone loved a particular book, rather than just seeing a reaction shot and a catchy soundbite.
It's a completely different vibe.
- Thoughtful Engagement: Blogs encourage deeper thought. I'm finding myself spending more time truly reading reviews, understanding different perspectives, and engaging with the nuances of a book.
- Less Pressure: There's no unspoken pressure to buy every book mentioned. It's more about discovery and appreciation.
- A Slower Pace: The lack of rapid-fire content means my brain isn't trying to process a dozen new recommendations every minute. It's a much calmer, more intentional way to engage with bookish content.
- A Digital Detox, Sort Of: While blogs are still social media in a way, they don't have the same addictive, algorithm-driven pull as platforms like TikTok. It feels more like a deliberate choice to seek out content rather than being fed it.
My Reading Life is Happier for It
Since making this shift, I've noticed a real positive change in my overall digital well-being. I feel less anxious about my TBR. I'm choosing books because they genuinely appeal to me after reading a considered review, not because they're trending. And most importantly, I'm finding the joy in reading again, without the background hum of social media pressure.
It's a good reminder that sometimes, stepping back from the loudest voices can help you hear your own preferences more clearly.
Have any of you taken a break from BookTok or other fast-paced platforms? How has it changed your reading life? I'd love to hear your experiences!
