Patna: The growing interest in book clubs can be seen as a response to the psychological fatigue caused by constant digital engagement. With screens occupying much of our working and personal lives, people across age groups are gradually rediscovering the comfort of reading physical books and spending time with like-minded people.Digital burnout is prompting many to reconnect with old habits, and reading is one of them. People are becoming increasingly aware of the physical and psychological effects of spending too much time on digital devices. There is also a certain pleasure in holding a book, turning its pages and enjoying its smell and feel.Reading on digital devices often involves distractions such as notifications, advertisements and the temptation to switch between different forms of content. Physical books, by contrast, allow readers to slow down, pause and reflect. They encourage deeper engagement with a subject rather than the hurried consumption of information common in the digital age. Reading at one’s own pace can also be relaxing after a demanding day.Book clubs fulfil another important psychological need: human connection and a sense of belonging. Human beings are social by nature, and interacting with people who share similar tastes and interests can be emotionally rewarding.Going out to a café or a park, meeting new people and discussing a book offers a break from routine. Book clubs provide a sense of belonging and a more sustained form of pleasure, unlike the instant gratification or dopamine rush associated with digital engagement.For younger readers, these gatherings also offer a comfortable space to learn without the pressure of being judged or evaluated. There are no examinations or expectations. The purpose is simply to read, share opinions and discover something new.The growing debate around excessive screen use reflects a wider shift in attitudes towards technology. Even reputed universities such as Harvard are making efforts to encourage more meaningful classroom engagement beyond laptops and tablets.In this changing environment, book clubs are finding relevance even in a city like Patna. They offer something increasingly difficult to find in everyday life: uninterrupted time, meaningful conversations and the simple pleasure of connecting with people over a shared love for books. (The writer, Nidhi Singh, is assistant professor at Magadh Mahila College and a clinical psychologist)
