Singapore pays people to pick up a book in battle against doomscrolling

Singapore has launched a new program that pays citizens small amounts of money to encourage them to read for at least 15 minutes a day. The government hopes the program will help people reduce doomscrolling, improve concentration, critical thinking, and imagination. Readers earn virtual coins by recording their daily reading sessions on a government website.

Under the program, people can earn 20 virtual coins for every 15-minute reading session, with 1,000 coins equal to S$1. However, participants can only record one session each day, meaning they need to complete 50 days of reading to earn S$1. The National Library Board believes that small and consistent actions can help people develop long-term reading habits.

The Singapore government is also considering other ways to reduce the harmful effects of social media on young people, including a possible daily time limit. Singapore has previously used financial incentives to encourage healthy behaviors, such as walking and reaching daily step goals. Interestingly, despite concerns about reading habits, Singaporean 15-year-old students ranked first in the world for reading in the 2025 PISA assessment.

Edited using generative AI tools. 
Source:  https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/16/singapore-pays-citizens-read-books

Comprehension

How long do Singaporeans need to read each day to participate in the program?
How many virtual coins do readers receive for a 15-minute reading session?
How many coins are needed to earn S$1?
What other ways is the Singapore government considering to reduce the harmful effects of social media?
How did Singaporean students perform in the 2025 PISA reading assessment?

Discussion

Would you read more if the government paid you a small amount of money? Why or why not?
Do you think 15 minutes of reading a day is enough to develop a good reading habit?
Why do you think people spend so much time scrolling through social media?
How does doomscrolling affect people's concentration?
What are the benefits of reading books instead of scrolling through social media?
Do you think governments should use financial rewards to influence people's behavior?
What activities could help young people spend less time on their phones?
Would you prefer reading a physical book or an e-book? Why?
What kind of books do you enjoy reading?
How can parents and schools encourage children to develop better reading habits?

Vocabulary

doomscrolling — spending a lot of time scrolling through negative or worrying news online
gamification — using game-like rewards or challenges to encourage people to do something
accrue — to gradually collect or build up something
redeem — to exchange points or rewards for something
incentive — something that encourages someone to do something
initiative — a new plan or action designed to achieve a goal