A recent survey highlights a significant decline in reading for pleasure among adults in the United States, raising concerns among experts about the implications for literacy and mental well-being. Conducted by researchers from the University of Florida and the University of London, the study reveals a 40 percent drop in daily reading for enjoyment from 2003 to 2023. This data is based on responses from 236,270 US adults, illustrating a troubling trend in leisure activities.
The survey defines reading for pleasure as engaging with books, magazines, newspapers, e-readers, or audiobooks for personal enjoyment. Despite fluctuations in cultural interests over the years, the decline in reading is particularly alarming due to its numerous benefits, including improved comprehension skills, mental health, and empathy.
Declining Trends and Demographic Disparities
According to Jill Sonke, director of the Center for the Arts in Medicine at the University of Florida, the numbers reflect a “sustained, steady decline of about 3 percent per year.” In 2004, the percentage of adults reading for pleasure daily peaked at 28 percent, but by 2023, this figure had decreased to just 16 percent.
The survey also uncovers disparities in reading habits among different demographic groups. The decline was notably pronounced among Black Americans, particularly those with lower income and education levels, and those living outside urban areas. These findings suggest that factors beyond the proliferation of digital devices are impacting reading trends. Sonke notes that issues such as limited access to reading materials and economic insecurity may hinder the ability to engage with reading as a pastime.
“If you’re working multiple jobs or facing transportation barriers in a rural area, a trip to the library may not be feasible,” she explains.
Encouraging a Return to Reading
Despite the overall decline, there is a silver lining: those who still read are spending slightly more time doing so. However, the survey indicates that most individuals who read for pleasure do so alone, with 67 percent reading solo and 94 percent reading at home.
To reverse this trend, the researchers advocate for community-centered initiatives that promote reading as a social activity. Organizing library events and book clubs could encourage more group reading experiences, thereby fostering a culture of shared literary enjoyment. Additionally, the importance of parents reading with their children cannot be overstated. The survey found that only 2 percent of adults reported reading with children, a figure that has remained stagnant over the last two decades.
“Reading has historically been a low-barrier, high-impact way to engage creatively and improve quality of life,” Sonke states. “When we lose one of the simplest tools in our public health toolkit, it’s a serious loss.”
The findings of this study have been published in the journal iScience, calling for urgent attention to the declining reading habits in the US and their broader implications for society.
