"I have written extensively in past posts on the perils of social media use. One of the problems with technology use is how time allocated to our digital gadgets takes time away from the pursuit of other engagements, particularly during our leisure time. Given how digitized our culture has become, perhaps it is not that surprising to hear that recent numbers suggest reading is on the decline among Americans."
"In fact, national data spanning 20 years reveals that only 16% of Americans report reading for pleasure (as reported by Astor, 2025). Researchers of this study have identified this decline in reading will have consequences for how Americans learn, their relationships, and their overall well-being (as reported by Astor, 2025). Past articles I have written about here have touted the benefits of reading for pleasure, from cultivating empathy to becoming more skilled at writing to enabling an expansion of focus and concentration (e.g., Aalai, 2024)."
National data spanning 20 years indicates only 16% of Americans report reading for pleasure. Declining leisure reading is linked to negative effects on learning, relationships, and overall well-being. Reading for pleasure cultivates empathy, improves writing skills, expands focus and concentration, and supports cognitive abilities that excessive technology use undermines. Widespread technology use produces cognitive overload, doomscrolling, constant multitasking, and pressure to respond quickly to notifications, texts, and emails. Reading offers a way to disconnect from technology and to maintain critical mental skills. Research also identifies longevity benefits for regular readers. Fall is an opportune season to begin reading, as many publishers release prominent books then.
Read at Psychology Today
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