A study has found that the number of adults reading books during leisure time is rapidly declining in the United States. As the population engaging in reading for pleasure decreases, concerns have been raised not only about declining concentration but also about intergenerational gaps.
According to The Washington Post on the 20th (local time), a joint research team from the University of Florida and University College London analyzed time use data from about 240,000 individuals over 20 years and found that the percentage of those reading books for pleasure daily decreased from 28% in 2003 to 16% in 2023. This represents a decrease of nearly 40% over the two decades.
The study indicated that while the amount of time adults spend reading to children has not decreased, the proportion of those reading daily is only 2%. Jill Sonke, a professor at the University of Florida and lead researcher, said, "It is concerning that the ratio of activities reading to children is so low," adding that "if children lack reading habits, it becomes significantly harder for them to keep up with studies in school."
Additionally, the survey revealed significant gaps based on education level, income, race, and gender. Adults with a college degree were three times more likely to read during leisure time compared to those with a high school diploma or less. While women, white individuals, and high-income groups had longer reading times, men, black individuals, and low-income groups had shorter times. A 2023 poll showed that 46% of Americans reported having read no books at all, with more than half of that group lacking a college degree. Experts emphasize that these gaps extend beyond simple cultural differences to issues of health and social welfare. Numerous studies indicate that reading during leisure time has effects such as stress relief, anxiety reduction, and enhancement of social well-being.
Analyses have suggested that the decline in reading is linked to changes in digital technology and media consumption habits. Gloria Mark, a professor emerita at the University of California, noted that "in 2004, people spent an average of 2 minutes and 30 seconds focused on screens, but by 2016, that time had dropped to 47 seconds," adding that "we live in a culture where we are pressured to consume as much content as possible." She explained that many people now read only short passages before closing a book, and some professors have started assigning excerpted readings due to students not being able to read entire books. In fact, among college students, there is an increasing trend to consume audiobooks or video content at two to three times the normal speed.
Professor Sonke stressed the need for public support, considering the positive effects of reading on society as a whole. He stated, "Access to libraries and the internet should be improved, and a culture of reading books with children needs to spread," emphasizing that "reading during leisure time is a lifestyle habit that directly relates to health, although it may not be easily recognized by the public." The research team pointed out that this result necessitates policy responses, as it relates not only to personal preferences but also connects with education, welfare, and public health.