Why Literature Won't Vanish in the Digital Era
In a world where TikTok and tweets rule the feed, you might think stories on paper are old-school. But Zhao Lihong, award-winning poet and writer from the Chinese mainland, has a different take. Recently honored with the 2025 Premio Montale Fuori di Casa (International Section) in Italy, Zhao is proof that literature is alive and kicking. 📖💥
'As long as human nature exists, as long as our longing for beauty and truth endures, literature will not die,' Zhao says. And honestly, who can argue? Whether it’s a heartfelt poem on social media or a classic novel on your e-reader, the power of words connects us all.
For Zhao, the essence of literature—sharing ideas, expressing feelings, and sparking empathy—never changes, even as formats evolve. Think of how fan fiction communities in South Asia or flash fiction challenges in Southeast Asia have taken off online. The story game is just shifting gears, not disappearing.
So next time you’re scrolling through your phone, remember: one swipe could lead you to the next great story. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll write it. 😉
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
