This country is paying its people to read. Can it stop brain rot?

Singapore has launched a five-year national campaign aimed at strengthening reading habits amid concerns about digital distraction, doomscrolling and declining engagement with long-form content.

Under the pilot initiative, participants receive virtual coins for logging a daily reading session of at least 15 minutes. Accumulated coins can be exchanged for small cash rewards. The campaign also includes a charity component that seeks to raise funds through collective reading minutes.

Speaking to CNN, Associate Professor Loh Chin Ee said the 15-minute target offers an accessible starting point for cultivating a regular reading habit. She observed that while people continue to read words on screens, sustained and committed forms of “deep reading” may be taking place less frequently.

The report also highlighted concerns that students may lose interest in leisure reading as academic demands and examinations intensify. Although Singapore continues to perform strongly in international reading assessments, the campaign seeks to encourage reading beyond school and examinations.

The initiative has prompted discussion about whether monetary incentives can foster a lasting love of reading. Supporters view the rewards as a useful initial nudge, while others stress that a strong reading culture should ultimately nurture curiosity, critical thinking and intrinsic motivation.

Read the CNN article here.