The Text Hip Craze: A New Culture Shaped by Reading and Social Media
The Rise of the Text Hip Craze: What Is "Text Hip"?
Interest in reading has been increasing recently, especially with the rise of the new term “Text Hip” among Generation Z. The term combines “text” with “hip” to describe a culture that considers reading as something cool.
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Text Hip has emerged as a new reading trend through various activities like sharing reading experiences on social media, copying favorite passages by hand, and participating in book clubs. The 2023 Seoul International Book Fair saw a 15.4% increase in visitors compared to the previous year, with 70% of attendees being in their 20s and 30s, proving the growing interest in reading.
Text Hip reflects a phenomenon where reading is no longer seen simply as a means to acquire information but as a way to express one’s individuality in today’s society. Despite being accustomed to short video content, Generation Z views the printed word as a refreshing and appealing experience. They share their reading achievements on social media with hashtags like #bookstagram and #completedbook, using reading as a means of self-expression.
The Background and Reasons Behind the Text Hip Craze
1) Digital Fatigue and the Need for Analog Reading
In today's world, saturated with digital content, there is growing fatigue from short, stimulating media. As a result, the analog act of reading has gained a unique appeal, emerging as a way for those seeking a digital detox to find peace and balance. The tendency to use reading to relieve mental stress and pursue more profound experiences has intensified.
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| photo credit: yonhap |
After author Han Kang won the Nobel Prize in Literature, the publishing market boomed, further spreading positive perceptions of reading. Generation Z, in particular, now sees reading as a "cool" activity. Reading has become a tool for building an intellectual image and an important part of personal identity.
2) The Fusion of Reading and Social Media
Today, social media has become the heart of reading culture. Readers actively showcase their reading habits by posting about the books they're reading, sharing handwritten passages, and uploading pictures of themselves immersed in books. Taking photos at bookish landmarks and sharing them on social media has also become a cool trend.
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| photo credit:cafecomma homepage / intagram @chaegbar |
For instance, the "Book Bar," a late-night bookstore where one can quietly enjoy a drink while reading, offers cocktails inspired by books, making it a popular destination for book and alcohol lovers who want to capture the moment. Similarly, Café Comma, run by the publisher Munhakdongne, is a place where fresh bread, delicious coffee, and soft music combine to enhance the joy of reading. It even offers a curated selection of books recommended by authors like Kim Hoon and critic Shin Hyung-chul, as well as unique goods for book enthusiasts. Publishers also provide a variety of reading-related services, such as newsletters, podcasts, and audiobooks, expanding the joy of reading further. At its core, Text Hip is more than just reading—it emphasizes "sharing" and "communication," appealing to digital natives.
3) The Influence of Generation Z and Celebrities
Generation Z is heavily influenced by celebrities and influencers who display their reading habits. They tend to follow suit by posting selfies with hashtags like #bookstagram and #bookselfie, and purchasing books recommended by celebrities.
For example, the philosophy book The Book of Disquiet(Fernando Pessoa) read by actress Han So-hee became a bestseller, and ìš”ì ˆ(Yojul (å¤æŠ˜); refers to dying at a young age.), read by BTS’s RM saw a reprint and became a bestseller after his recommendation. Such celebrity endorsements inspire their fans and spread a positive image of reading. As such, Generation Z views reading not just as a personal activity but as a social phenomenon.
Criticism and Counterarguments
Of course, there are criticisms that this reading culture is overly performative. Some dismiss Text Hip as a superficial trend, where celebrity reading, digital consumption by fans, intellectual curiosity, and the desire for self-display intersect. Critics even call it “fashion reading.”
However, author Hwang Sok-yong commented on this phenomenon, saying, “Reading starts in such ways. Just like building muscle begins with small dumbbells, developing reading habits starts by simply picking up a book.”
In conclusion, the Text Hip craze reflects the complex psychology and social factors of modern society, extending beyond a mere trend. Reading has evolved from a personal, isolated experience into an opportunity for social interaction. Regardless of the motivation behind it, enjoying reading in various ways is undoubtedly a positive development that enhances life quality for many.
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