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Does anyone else suffer from reading paralysis?

4 replies

QueenStevie · 20/02/2026 20:02

Particularly around starting a new book? I love researching books, reading recommendations and reviews, choosing a book. Then I buy it and I just can't bring myself to actually start it and I don't know why.

OP posts:
candycanetime · 20/02/2026 20:57

Me! I honestly think it’s due to TikTok, instagram, facebook etc. Even coming on here. It’s the instant gratification of scrolling. I used to read constantly, had hundreds of books on my kindle, but in the past few years I get a few pages in and then just cannot get into it. It’s really sad.

NewMe2024 · 20/02/2026 21:10

Me too and I also thinks it’s due to scrolling 😢

shivermetimbers77 · 20/02/2026 21:12

Yes, but I find once I am into the book it is fine. I also agree it’s A lot to do with the instant dopamine hit we get from scrolling. Really important to turn the phone off/put it in another room and really settle in with the book with no distraction. The satisfaction of a good book is worth it: I always think of it like having a proper nutritious meal, whereas scrolling is like snacking on junk 😅

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FusionChefGeoff · 20/02/2026 21:21

I’ve sometimes ‘broken’ my paralysis by starting to listen to the book as an audiobook on a walk / drive / whilst cooking. Then I’m already into the story and find it easier to pick up the actual book.

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