Information is always at our fingertips. In 2023, Americans used over 100 trillion megabytes of wireless data—a staggering number that reflects a constant thirst for quick answers and instant knowledge. Yet, according to a Statista study, many of us aren’t making time to sit down with a good book or listen to a full-length audiobook.
We’re in a paradox: constantly searching for information but rarely taking the time to fully absorb it. We skim more than we read, and search for snippets of information rather than dig deeply into stories or topics; no wonder our attention spans are stretched thin. We Google for quick answers, scroll through headlines, and maybe even scan a few paragraphs of an article, but how often do we really read from start to finish? Or vet the content or think about the sources?
The rise in wireless data usage shows we’re more connected than ever, yet we seem to be consuming information in smaller bites. This isn’t necessarily bad—there’s value in quick searches and immediate access to knowledge. But it also means we might be missing out on the depth and richness that comes from truly engaging with a book or listening to a podcast uninterrupted or having a conversation with a human.
That’s where Two Minutes Du Jour comes in. I know time is precious, and that’s why these posts are designed to be just 400 words—a quick two-minute read that gives you something to ponder without overwhelming your schedule. Each post is bite-sized but provides links if you’re curious to explore more about a topic. It’s an invitation to balance the ease of quick searches with the joy of discovering more when you have the time.
So, while we may not always carve out time to read or listen for hours, we’re still searching—and maybe that’s our way of staying connected to the world around us. The key is to find moments to slow down, even for just two minutes, to fully engage with what we’re reading or listening to. And when we’re ready for more, the deeper dive is just a link away.
Two Links Du Jour:
46% of Americans Didn’t Read a Book in 2023 – Statista
Americans used 100 trillion megabytes of wireless data last year – Engadget
Two Minutes Du Jour 
2 responses to “Not Reading or Listening, But Definitely Searching”
I am saddened but not surprised to read that half of Americans didn’t read a book in 2023. All the social media, you tube videos, and Netflix shows are more stimulating and easier than reading a book. Plus they can be more social too. That’s why book clubs are a great thing- to get people reading and offering social connections too.
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True, reading can be a solo activity or something social – a good combo.
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