Does anyone have the bad habit of reading Mumsnet instead of reading actual books?

[Eucalyptus22]

I often have great intentions of sitting down and chilling out with a book, but inevitably end up on Mumsnet instead.
AIBU - no, I still read books.
AINBU - me too! Can't help it, '10 mins' turns into a lot longer

Thanks for explaining this so well.

I do this when I’m stressed, especially by work. Can’t focus on my book (don’t tend to read ‘page turners’ - I like non-fiction) but instead read inane threads to stop me thinking about whatever is going round and round in my head. Can’t be healthy!

This ☝️. I still read after having DC but doing a PhD put me off reading for years so I switched to MN and watching funny videos. Less brain work involved. I’m now back reading again and loving it! I still enjoy MN and a bit of scrolling but I read at least 3 hours over the afternoon/evening (I’m semi retired now). I also keep off the phone prior to lights out to help with insomnia.

That's amazing! I bet you feel so good for it, and perhaps even glad to some degree that there were wifi issues

How on earth can it be ‘wet’? Or is there a meaning of wet that I’ve never come across before?

Haha!

Oh yes.

@GillianMcQueef it won't let me quote you but hahaha exactly!

I’m guilty of this! My screen time came through one Sunday and I spend on average 7 hours a day on my phone

My husband and I both decided we scroll far too much so we’ve now made a pact with each other to encourage us not to stare at our phones all day.

So if we have no plans on Sunday and it’s a day relaxing at home the phones go into a different room and we do something we love ( me books, him books and gaming and a film without added scrolling in the evening ) and it’s actually been great but tough - very tough!!!

We both have a go at each other if we go to our phone ( we do answer them if we get a message or phone call but we aren’t allowed to scroll) and we’ve both noticed a change not just in scrolling but how we communicate with each other too, although my next book is War & Peace and it’s staring at me now! Dreading Sunday already (I’ll be back scrolling 😆)

The other 6 days though on the other hand, you wouldn’t be able to prize my phone out of my cold dead hands

Great idea! Could you ask them to add my name onto that list too please 😂

And me

I went through a phase where I did this and when I realised how bad this made me feel, and how much better I felt after reading a book, I stopped. Now I only use MN and other social media when I'm stuck somewhere without a book (like now!)

I became aware of this and have made an effort to go read a few books this summer. I'm half way through one and it feels really good. I don't know how to explain it but it feels like I'm giving myself something healthy rather than junk food.

Just go for it and you'll thank yourself.

I did, until I joined the 50 books in a year challenge over on the Books section several years ago, and haven't looked back! There's also a 26 ish books in the year challenge for those who are going to struggle to get to 50. Come join us!

Love this and this is where I'd like to be. As simple as it sounds, do you have any tips on you just stopped?

Feel so ashamed saying that like I don't make the wrong choices myself, but isn't that how these things are so cleverly designed, to make them addictive?

Definitely find I am not getting through books like I used to due to a combination of MN and general surfing/game playing. I still can’t stop myself buying books though (from charity/secondhand shops) and my to read pile is growing and growing.

This is why I joined a book club. When I was working I had two hours of commuting time a day so got through a lot of books. When I retired I lost the habit, but the book club ensures I read at least one book a month. I have read some I would never have tried by myself.

Yes this is what it feels like!

Great to hear another 'recovery'! Thank you I'll hope to find myself there.

No, I read both!

Although I do read Mumsnet instead of doing work...😳(I work for myself though, so I know the boss is cool with it.)

Come and join us on the 50-book thread. A MN thread that makes you read more books!!

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/what_were_reading/4855079-50-books-challenge-2023-part-seven?page=1

I read a lot for work and reading for enjoyment became a chore.
So now I listen to audiobooks. I’ve listened to more than 30 books this year alone. Listen on long dog walks, in the gym, doing chores. Life changing!

Op do you have a book you want to read?
Go make yourself a tea or coffee, find a good spot (gardens and parks are great in the summer), leave your phone somewhere else, and just open your book and start reading.

30, wow, that's impressive. Do you mind me asking what platform you use? I find Audible to be quite expensive.

Thank you!