Singapore Launches Program Paying Citizens to Read for 15 Minutes a Day to Fight Doomscrolling
The Singapore government launched a program that pays citizens to read books for at least 15 minutes a day, aiming to reduce doomscrolling and improve mental health. The initiative uses financial incentives to shift screen habits toward reading. The Global Wellness Institute cited it as a notable public health intervention in September 2026.
Singapore launched a government-backed program in September 2026 that pays citizens to read books for at least 15 minutes a day, positioning the initiative as a public health response to the growing problem of doomscrolling.
Doomscrolling, the habit of compulsively consuming negative news and social media content, has been linked to increased anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption. Singapore's program uses financial incentives to encourage residents to replace some of that screen time with reading.
The program is part of a broader trend of governments using behavioral economics to influence public health outcomes. Singapore has previously used similar incentive structures to encourage physical activity and healthy eating.
Participants who log their reading sessions through a government app receive small monetary rewards. The program targets adults and is designed to be accessible across income levels.
The Global Wellness Institute highlighted the initiative in its September 2026 wellness roundup, calling it a creative approach to a problem that affects people across the world.
Research supports the health benefits of regular reading. Studies have linked reading for pleasure to lower stress levels, improved sleep, and reduced risk of cognitive decline. One study cited by the Global Wellness Institute found that reading can lower Alzheimer's risk by 33%.
Mental health advocates have praised the program's focus on accessible, low-cost interventions. Critics have questioned whether financial incentives can produce lasting behavior change, but Singapore's track record with similar programs suggests the approach can work when implemented consistently.
