Singapore Pays Citizens to Read in War on Doomscrolling 2026

Singapore is paying its citizens to pick up a book for at least 15 minutes a day in a bold effort to fight the rise of doomscrolling. The affluent city-state launched a gamification strategy this month, hoping to improve concentration, critical thinking, and imagination among Singaporeans. Under the scheme, readers accrue points that can be redeemed for small cash rewards.

How the Singapore Reading Scheme Works

The program requires participants to log 50 daily reading sessions on a government website to earn S$1 (80c). Each session of 15 minutes or more is rewarded with 20 virtual coins, with 1,000 coins needed for a dollar payment. Only one reading session is allowed daily, encouraging consistent habits rather than binge reading.

Melissa Tam, chief of the national library board, told the Straits Times that sustainable reading habits are built through small and achievable steps. "We live in a world of extraordinary abundance, of content, information and stimulation," she said. "At any moment, we can scroll through hundreds of headlines, watch a video or get a summary of almost anything."

Rewards and Gamification Strategy

The gamification strategy taps into behavioral psychology, using immediate rewards to reinforce positive actions. By converting reading time into virtual coins, the government hopes to make reading as addictive as social media scrolling. The scheme is part of a broader push to address digital wellness and reduce screen time.

Why Doomscrolling Is a Growing Concern

Doomscrolling and addiction cause the most harm to young people, according to a recent study. The constant consumption of negative news and endless social media feeds can lead to anxiety, depression, and reduced attention spans. Singapore is considering ways to make social media less harmful for young Singaporeans, including a daily time limit.

The government's proactive approach reflects a growing global recognition that digital wellness is a public health issue. By incentivizing reading, Singapore aims to cultivate a more focused, critical-thinking populace.

Comparison: Doomscrolling vs. Reading

Key Takeaways from Singapore's Reading Initiative

• Singapore pays citizens to read for 15 minutes daily to combat doomscrolling.
• Participants earn virtual coins redeemable for cash at a rate of S$1 per 50 sessions.
• The scheme aims to build sustainable reading habits through small, consistent actions.
• Doomscrolling is linked to anxiety and reduced concentration, especially in young people.
• Singapore is also exploring daily social media time limits for youth.

FAQ

Singapore's reading incentive scheme is a novel approach to a global problem. By rewarding citizens for picking up a book, the city-state hopes to build a culture of readers who can think deeply and critically in an age of endless distraction.

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