Booktok Ruining Books Novels & Stories

It’s a weird question to even ask, honestly. Like, is literature some sacred object that needs protecting? BookTok is just people talking about books they like, the same way my grandma used to talk about 'Gone with the Wind' with her bridge club. The medium is different, the energy is different, but the core activity is identical.

I get why some folks feel alienated. The tropes that dominate there—enemies to lovers, dark academia, morally grey love interests—aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. But I found 'Piranesi' because of a quiet, atmospheric BookTok video, and that book is as far from a romantasy as you can get. The algorithm shows you what you engage with. If you’re only seeing one type of book, maybe your own scrolling habits are part of that equation.

It feels less like ruination and more like expansion. More people are reading, more books are getting sold, more authors can make a living. That’s a good thing, even if the discourse around it is sometimes shallow or repetitive. You don’t have to participate in the discourse to benefit from the wider availability.

Booktok has definitely changed the way people approach reading, and not always for the better. I’ve noticed that many readers now prioritize books that are trending on the platform, often overlooking lesser-known gems that might be more meaningful or unique. The focus seems to be on aesthetics—pretty covers, dramatic quotes, and romantic tropes—rather than the depth of the story or the quality of the writing. This has led to a kind of homogenization in reading tastes, where everyone is reading the same handful of books. While it’s great that Booktok has brought more attention to reading, I worry that it’s creating a culture of instant gratification, where people are more interested in the social media buzz around a book than in actually engaging with the text. It’s also led to a lot of pressure to read quickly and keep up with trends, which can take the joy out of reading for those who prefer to take their time and savor a book.

BookTok has definitely changed the way people interact with popular book series, but I wouldn’t say it’s ruining reading. It’s more like it’s reshaping the experience. As someone who’s been into books for years, I’ve noticed that BookTok has made reading more accessible and social. People are sharing their thoughts, creating fan art, and even starting book clubs based on recommendations. Sure, some trends can feel overhyped, but they also introduce readers to books they might not have picked up otherwise. I think the key is to take it all with a grain of salt. Not every viral book will be your cup of tea, and that’s okay. At the end of the day, BookTok is just another way to connect with stories and fellow readers. It’s up to us to decide how much we let it influence our reading habits.