Artificial Intelligence vs Books: Who Shapes the Future Workforce

Z generation students 43% rarely or never read for pleasure.

Artificial intelligence provides quick answers, but a lack of reading can limit young people's imagination and creativity. A recent study by Gallup and the Walton Foundation shows that 43% of Generation Z students rarely or never read for pleasure. This affects not only educational outcomes but also the quality of future work.

Why Reading is Important

  • Evolutionary Role․ Reading develops imagination, analytical thinking, and the ability to combine different ideas.
  • Factor of Effectiveness․ International PISA data shows that students who read for pleasure have significantly higher academic performance.
  • Tolerance of Ambiguity․ Literature teaches to confront contradictions and think deeply—skills that are important in business and innovation.

What Education Should Do

1. Restore the Social Aspect of Reading

Seminar discussions or group book clubs make reading interesting and interactive.

2. Expand the Range of Materials

In addition to classic literature, include long journalistic articles, essays, graphic novels. The freedom of choice increases interest.

3. Connect Reading with Creativity

Encourage students not only to summarize what they read but also to write their own stories, discussions, and analyses.

What Employers Can Do

  • Book Clubs in the Workplace․ Create an environment where employees share literary thoughts, not just technical knowledge.
  • Show Curiosity․ Leaders can set an example by talking about the books they read and connecting them to business.
  • Narrative Thinking․ Present strategies not with dry slides but with real stories.
  • Reward Creative Connections․ Value not only quick responses but also the ability to combine ideas from different fields.

International Examples

  • Finland․ Reading becomes a family tradition.
  • Iceland․ Books are the main gift for Christmas.
  • Japan․ Books and manga continue to be part of everyday life.
  • Singapore․ Invests in national reading programs.

These examples show that reading not only provides knowledge but also shapes a mindset that allows one to face the challenges of the times.

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The future workforce will live in an environment saturated with artificial intelligence. However, those who can add their own vision, imagination, and analytical thinking to AI's ready-made answers will have a significant advantage.

Therefore, both schools and employers should invest in a culture of reading—not just as a hobby but as a fundamental tool for shaping a competitive workforce.


*The article was also prepared using data from AI․