Oct 21, 2025

8 signs a person is doing performative reading

Aanya Mehta

They Read only to Impress Others

Their reading list is built to sound smart, filled with classics or dense philosophy they have no genuine interest in.

Source: unsplash

They value Aesthetic over Insight

For performative readers, the curated reading corner, coffee mug, and perfect lighting matter more than the content inside the pages.

Source: unsplash

They only read Trending and Viral Books

Their shelves are filled with the latest BookTok or Instagram picks — not because they love them, but because everyone else is reading them.

Source: amazon.in

They Constantly Post about Reading

Every chapter, cover, or quote becomes a story update. For them, it’s more about aesthetics than absorption.

Source: unsplash

They don't Engage in Real Discussions

When asked about what they’ve read, they skim the surface or parrot others’ opinions without deeper thought.

Source: unsplash

They Quote Without Understanding

They often drop profound quotes out of context, using them as status symbols rather than reflections of understanding.

Source: unsplash

They Read only to Impress Others

Their reading list is built to sound smart, filled with classics or dense philosophy they have no genuine interest in.

Source: unsplash

They Rarely Finish Books

They start many titles but finish few. The goal isn’t completion, it’s just to be seen reading something “intellectual.”

Source: unsplash

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