Singapore Pays People to Read Books

Singapore has launched a new initiative rewarding residents for spending at least 15 minutes a day reading, as the government seeks to combat “doomscrolling” and strengthen concentration, critical thinking and imagination.

The program allows participants to record daily reading sessions through a government platform and earn virtual coins that can eventually be exchanged for rewards, according to The Guardian.

Singapore has previously used financial incentives to encourage changes in behavior, including programmes designed to promote exercise and walking.

Under the new reading initiative, users earn coins by logging reading sessions lasting at least 15 minutes. The rewards are intended to encourage people to make reading a regular habit rather than spending the same time scrolling through social media.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts to limit the harmful effects of excessive social media use, particularly among young people, despite Singaporean students consistently performing strongly in international literacy assessments.

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