In a world dominated by screens and pixels, it's evident that Generation Z is rewriting the rules of content consumption. The days of leisurely flipping through the pages of a newspaper or getting lost in the world of a classic novel may be numbered. The rise of video-centric platforms, immersive gaming experiences, and other interactive content has ushered in a new era where reading extensive texts seems to be losing its appeal among the younger demographic.

The allure of visually engaging content has Gen Z hooked to their screens for hours on end. With attention spans shrinking, the demand for quick, snackable content is skyrocketing. Video platforms like TikTok and YouTube offer a barrage of bite-sized entertainment that captivates and holds the audience's interest in ways traditional media struggles to match. As these platforms gain prominence, the inclination to sit down with a lengthy article or delve into the intricacies of a novel becomes a diminishing pastime.

Gaming, once seen as a niche hobby, has evolved into a mainstream form of entertainment for Gen Z. The interactive and dynamic nature of games provides an immersive experience that static texts often fail to deliver. The storytelling in games has become as compelling as any novel, but with the added element of user agency. Why read a story when you can actively participate and shape its outcome? This shift in preferences poses a formidable challenge to the traditional written word, pushing it further down the hierarchy of preferred entertainment.

While there's no denying the power and beauty of literature, the reality is that Gen Z's digital lifestyle is transforming the landscape of content consumption. Books and newspapers are increasingly viewed as relics of a bygone era, struggling to compete for attention in a world where a captivating video or an interactive game is just a click away. The future of long-form reading seems uncertain as the younger generation embraces a multimedia-rich, interactive digital existence that places a premium on instant gratification over patient perusal. As the digital era unfolds, the question remains: will the written word adapt to survive or become a nostalgic echo of the past? Only time will tell.

And for the members of Gen Z that have made it this far in my memo, reading long form content is your way of standing out. You will find unique insights from reading long form content. Read the transcripts, read the 10-Ks, read those deep dives.