Let’s challenge a widely accepted belief: that reading is a “solitary” activity. We’ve all heard the stereotype that readers are anti-social introverts, huddled up in their book nooks, avoiding human interaction like it’s the plague. But you know what? Reading is actually a very social experience—and I’m here to explain why.

Readers Are More Social Than We Think

As a psychologist (and a reader myself), I’ve spent a lot of time observing how people interact with books and with each other, especially on platforms like Instagram. And I’ve come to realize something pretty important: humans have an innate need for shared enjoyment. We want to read not just for pleasure, but we also want to connect with others over books we finished and enjoyed.

Think about it. When was the last time you read an amazing book? Did you just close the cover and immediately forget about it? Of course not! Your first instinct was probably a desire to tell someone about it. Share your enjoyment. It’s that, “OMG I just read this amazing book!” moment I’m talking about. That social need there is what drives readers to connect with others.

Books build social connections.

So, let’s break this outdated stereotype of the antisocial reader. We’re more social than we think! Books have always been a gateway to connection, whether it’s through swapping paperbacks with friends, chatting about our latest read at the local bookstore, posting a book photo on Instagram, or engaging in lively discussions online.

If you haven’t already, I challenge you to tap into this. Share your love for books, whether it’s on social media, in a book club, or even with a quick comment to another reader. Buddy read a book, it’s so much fun! Reading doesn’t have to be a solitary experience. In fact, it’s often at its best when shared.

Remember, reading is social—spread the word, and let me know your thoughts.