CALLA JORDAN / CONTRIBUTOR

As technology further merges with everyday life, leisure activities, such as reading and film watching, have tapped into the digital world through social media platforms. Goodreads and Letterboxd influence the way in which entertainment and literature are shared, analyzed and enjoyed by consumers. 

While the apps draw attention to both classic films and literature, as well as newly released pieces, concerns have risen about whether these apps are truly helpful or if they are just another consequence of the digital renaissance. USD students discuss whether they feel this digital exposure creates a greater appreciation for these stories, or if they prefer their hobbies offline. 

USD junior    and avid reader Riti Dey first began using Goodreads in high school for the challenge feature on the app that allows a user to set annual reading goals. The app allows users to track their progress with each book. Once a reader turns the last page, they can leave public, written reviews. 

 “If I saw reviews that I agreed with on a book that I had read, it would be really affirming,” Dey stated. “But sometimes I would really enjoy a book and then there would be all these bad reviews that weren’t that detailed.”

While Dey shared that the app helped     revive her hobby of reading, she noticed her motivation to read was primarily to reach a goal, rather than to have fun or learn.  

“I realized that I was just pumping out books for the sole purpose of reaching my goal,” Dey shared. “Instead of actually reading the books to enjoy them.” 

Dey expressed that she has stopped using Goodreads as a way to track her reading. While she shared that she has been less consistent with her reading goals, she has noticed that she is able to dive deeper into her books without the pressure of having to keep up with a goal. However, Dey concluded that the app is still a beneficial tool for people wanting to read more and hold themselves accountable. 

“I will  always advocate for apps like this, even if I’m not personally using them, just because people aren’t reading enough,” Dey shared. “I think people need to read, and if the way they’re going to do that is by setting a challenge for themselves or competing against their friends, then I’m all for it.”

USD senior   Courtney Mall also shared her thoughts on whether   Goodreads   leads to users prioritizing app challenges rather than the   substance   of the material. 

“I think that if people are going through the effort to read that many books, then they actually care about what they’re reading,” Mall expressed. 

A concern surrounding the rise of these platforms is whether they are creating a competitive environment for users. Letterboxd is an app that allows people to rate and share movies they’ve viewed and has become increasingly popular in the film world.

USD    junior Hutch   Harrington has been using Letterboxd to track his recent screenings. Harrington is majoring in visual arts with a concentration in film and thinks the app helps expose him to new films.

“It’s nice to expand my knowledge, especially as someone interested in film,”  Harrington shared.

However, he acknowledged that the rise in popularity has led to some users highlighting films that are more niche and pretentious rather than featuring their true favorites.

“I think now that it’s kind of become a trend on TikTok to post your top four [movies] it can be performative and just for show, which is kind of sad,” Harrington stated.

Both Goodreads and Letterboxd use the rise of technology to help their users discover new pieces of media. Some Toreros believe that    they can lead to performative use, while others are inspired to keep up with their goals and experience new and diverse art.

USD senior Kat Harris has been actively using Goodreads for about two years, after being influenced by her roommate to download the app. Harris enjoys the tracking features of the app and how users can view their friends current reads and progress.

“I like the accountability aspect of it,” Harris shared. “My friends can see if I am slacking behind my goal.” 

Harris highlighted that, in an age where people and their phones are inseparable, apps that may encourage their users to build healthier habits and expose themselves to stimulating media are important.

“It’s a cool aspect to integrate technology with the act of reading,” Harris said. “Even if you’re just reading to log it into Goodreads, you’re still reading, and I  think any break from technology is good.” 

The mesh of media and technology has been inevitable, but USD students are utilizing these platforms to enable creativity and self-improvement. These apps    may allow  students to create fun  goals  relative to their hobbies, but they can also spark performative usage, possibly   pushing users away from activities  once enjoyed in leisure.

Enjoyment is the key aspect of a hobby, and both Goodreads and Letterboxd    are only valuable to its users if reading and film watching remain as hobbies, rather than chores for their users.

Students use ‘Goodreads’ and ‘Letterboxd’ to show peers what media they are consuming. Kyra Lefebvre/The USD Vista