BookTok Drama Is Taking Over and It's CHAOS!

Is BookTok and BookTube Becoming Toxic? Let’s Talk About It!

In today’s video, we’re diving into the recent controversy surrounding BookTok and BookTube, where creators are being labelled as “not real readers” simply because of how they read. From skimming pages to avoiding long books, these honest reading habits have sparked backlash, negativity, and even personal attacks. But should we be tearing people down for how they enjoy books?

Let’s address the issues:

The rise of toxic behaviour in the online book community.
Why reading should be inclusive—there’s no “right” way to be a reader!
How judgmental comments and “drama videos” hurt creators and discourage new readers.
The mental health impact of viral negativity on social media.
💬 We’ll also explore:

How platforms like BookTok and BookTube have increased book engagement and brought reading to a wider audience.
Why it’s important to celebrate all reading experiences, from casual skimming to deep analysis.
How we can create a more positive, supportive space for book lovers.
At the end of the day, reading is for everyone, and this community should encourage and uplift, not judge. Let’s talk about why kindness and inclusivity are key to making BookTok and BookTube spaces where all readers feel welcome.

Don’t miss this conversation if you:

Love books and are active on BookTok or BookTube.
Care about mental health in the creator space.
Want to help build a positive, encouraging reading community.
What do you think makes a “real reader”? How can we make our book community more inclusive? Let’s chat in the comments below!

Don’t forget to: Like this video if you agree with spreading positivity!
Share with your book-loving friends to start the conversation.
Subscribe for more videos about books, reading culture, and creating a better bookish community!

Timecodes:
Intro: 0:00
BookTok Drama: 0:05
My Opinion: 2:48
Is There A Right Way To Read?: 3:35
Online Drama Is Damaging: 5:08

#booktube #booktok #readingcommunity #booklovers #bookishcontent

[jessbaldwin]

You’re one of my new favourite booktubers. You seem so extremely genuine. I love that. xx

[SamuelMcAuliff]

When I was a grad student in the English department some of my classmates and I had a discussion one day about whether or not we should encourage people to read books that we felt had more merit instead of books that were popular but poorly written. Most of us came down on the side of let people read what they want, as long as they find enjoyment in it. In grad school, as in the online book community, there is an elitism around books, and academics and "serious" readers need to just get over themselves. If someone enjoys reading it doesn't matter what they read or how they enjoy it, just let them have nice things. That's the kind of thing that intimidates people away from reading anything because they fear being judged. And yes, if you do find yourself with a negative opinion about someone or what they're doing that is different than you, just keep it to yourself. Like you, I thought we all learned that as children.

[StephTucker-hcpx]

I genuinely don't understand this. I personally love big books and stuff. I do think that the "reader aesthetic" does seem to be a thing but, I don't understand why the way someone else consumes books is anyone else's business? There's SUCH a snobbery around being a reader/booktuber/booktoker, etc. and it's disgusting. Reading is a hobby, not a competition.

[kirstycooper]

Wow. What a video. I am so glad you did this, it was something that 100% needed to be said. Personally, I would love to create a channel and share my love for books but I know deep down that all it would take is a few horrible comments and it would send my Mental health into a bad spiral. I love your channel. Even though you have struggles of your own you are a massive support to others with what you are doing. Thank you xxx

[Jkburr]

Reading is Personal. Absolutely agree with you there. Thanks for sharing this video.

[paperpagespossibilities]

This is a wonderfully honest and kind video. I agree with many of your points, particularly that the anonymity of the internet seems to make some people think it is acceptable to be rude. One of the reasons I found the motivation to start my own channel was the thought that there are so many millions of people out there that surely I could create a community of like minded people to share and converse with, it's just a matter of being persistent enough that those like minded people can find me. I have definitely found many positive people on Booktube and feel like this community does a lot to build each other up.

[littlechicks]

You are so right. The fact that so many people are finding joy in books now can only be a good thing. ACOTAR is not my thing so i would never read it but it wouldnt cross my mind to criticize someone who does rather than a genre that i prefer (thrillers). We dont need to dim someones light to make our own shine brighter, there is room for us all in this bookish world and reading should be encouraged whatever form it takes.

[jaimieharris]

You’re a good person. Thank you for your positivity.

[annabekind]

Well said! I find it so strange that how others choose to read is any one else’s business. As for book length, I love a really long read or a short one, something well written or just fun or both, it all depends on what mood I’m in so I’m glad there is such a vast choice available to me 🙂

[coleenmorgan]

Tyrone you are so kind and I agree with what you're saying. I've never understood the need to troll people online. I think the anonymity of online makes people bolder. Great video as usual.

[mm-fnco]

Encourage to read and if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all. And you’re absolutely right, when someone is in a bad place it doesn’t take much to push someone over the edge. This is such an important topic. Thank you for posting this video

[kalilah-oy]

The sad reality is ….the internet offers the opportunity for some people to spread negativity and give a voice to their hate. Reading is a good thing and the fact that people can create drama over it is sad.

[the_emerald_sea]

When the space between lines is too small and the type is tiny (i.e. too many words have been squished onto the page) it is annoying and more difficult to read. Sounds like a perfectly reasonable complaint to me! I love what you have said in this video, a very classy assessment of it all.

[Claudia]

So true! The 1st time I saw the video of the girl saying the book had too many words, it was clear to me that she meant the margins of the book were absurdly tiny on all sides. She showed the book pages, it was bad design and actually looked unpleasant! Everyone kept pilling on her because it gave them an ego boost when her concern was legitimate.

[MelHeath]

Social media is good for connection... but some people have got far too comfortable with being absolutely awful with no consequences to their actions

[juliacharles]

Once again Tyrone, this video is awesome!! Read what you want to read, at your own pace & read what you enjoy. My nan always used to say “If you can’t say anything nice then keep your mouth shut!” I get so fed up of people who can’t just let people like what they like. I hate social media

[SuboJvR]

Tyrone, you are so kind hearted. Thank you for addressing this. I also never considered social media as an outlet to deal with mental health in the way you have, before you spoke about it in the manner you have. Thankyou for opening my & others eyes to this, I hope the world can start to be a little kinder to everyone. You're right though - social media bullying is a serious serious issue (with even laws catching up to that fact) and especially women may be more vulnerable to cyber bullying due to the way and frequency we interact. Sometimes I want to just come off social media entirely, but other times, like when I see your content, I remember why I love it, and why it can bring me joy. Booktube is my happy place and I'm so sad if it's becoming a hurtful place for people.

[LeonC]

I think Two things can be true at the same time:

1) People need to stop trashing others for what they like. Unfortunately, the internet gave a voice to the cowards, and people say things they would NEVER say in person. You can disagree with other people’s ideas but do so respectfully.

2) I think that if you are someone sensitive that is easily affected by strangers’ comments. Why on earth would you put yourself out there on the internet? We also must have some self awareness.

We know the internet’s comment section can be a nasty place. It’s not about whether it should be or not. It is what it is. So, consider your mental health, before deciding to become a public figure

[annebracher]

Well said. I mean, where's the need - if they don't like it, don't watch them. Good on you for defending them.

[articia]

Absolutely spot on as usual. I read for me and I couldn't care less what anyone else thinks. Absolutely love your channel xx