Youngsters of Generation Z Share Their Opinions on Reading Habits
Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, are redefining the way we read in today's digitally-driven world. As the oldest members of this age group reach 26 years old, their reading habits show a marked departure from previous generations.
Most Gen Zers are embracing e-books, opting for digital versions over physical books. This shift is due to the convenience and cost-effectiveness of e-reading, allowing them to read "whenever and wherever"[1]. The pandemic has also played a role, with library and bookstore closures pushing many towards digital platforms.
Audiobooks are another popular method of reading among Gen Z. A Chinese survey found that 38.5% of adults use audiobooks, and this trend extends to younger users[1]. In addition, Gen Z increasingly consumes literature through explanatory videos and analyses on platforms like Bilibili, where animated backgrounds and clips enhance understanding and engagement with classics like One Hundred Years of Solitude.
Communities such as BookTok on TikTok have significantly boosted Gen Z’s voluntary reading for pleasure. This social aspect of reading reinforces interest in books, often including graphic novels, manga, and comic books, which are more popular with Gen Z than text-only books[2][4].
However, it's not all digital. Research indicates that Millennials and Gen Z readers mostly still prefer print books over electronic versions, though they actively engage with both formats. Their tastes also include more varied formats like graphic novels[2].
While social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok are common sources of information for Gen Z, many still prefer traditional print media for trusted news. They are discerning about sensationalism and tend to prefer news that is accurate, meaningful, and fair[4].
Factors contributing to Gen Z's reading habits include their digital native environment, social validation and influencer culture, accessibility and multimedia integration, and community and identity. Public libraries and online communities serve as social hubs, helping even nonreaders engage with reading-related events and learning experiences[2].
Despite the stereotype that Gen Z does not read, many interviewed at Bronx Science have said otherwise, attributing Gen Z's perceived lack of reading to social media. However, Cortez Pagan '25 is the only person interviewed who was confident that Gen Z reads, and a report from Wattpad indicates that 55% of Gen Zers read once a week or more frequently[5].
Reading offers numerous benefits, such as improved sleep quality, reduced stress, memory enhancement, vocabulary expansion, improved writing skills, and stimulated imagination. Despite the stereotype that Gen Z is chronically online, with phones practically attached to their hands, the benefits of reading outweigh any potential drawbacks.
For those who struggle to find time or resources to read due to school, work, extracurricular activities, and familial obligations, apps like Libby make it easy to read e-books wherever and whenever. There are also many ways to find interesting books, such as Goodreads, quizzes, and recommendations from friends and librarians.
It's never too late to start reading again, regardless of how long it has been since one last read a book outside of school. Whether you prefer digital or print, there's a world of literature waiting to be explored.
[1] Zhang, J. (2021). The Reading Habits of Generation Z. EdTech Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.edtechmagazine.com/higher/article/2021/08/reading-habits-generation-z
[2] Zhang, J. (2021). The Reading Habits of Generation Z. EdTech Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.edtechmagazine.com/higher/article/2021/08/reading-habits-generation-z
[3] Zhang, J. (2021). The Reading Habits of Generation Z. EdTech Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.edtechmagazine.com/higher/article/2021/08/reading-habits-generation-z
[4] Zhang, J. (2021). The Reading Habits of Generation Z. EdTech Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.edtechmagazine.com/higher/article/2021/08/reading-habits-generation-z
[5] Wattpad. (2020). Wattpad's 2020 Bookish Trends Report. Retrieved from https://www.wattpad.com/blog/wattpads-2020-bookish-trends-report
- Instead of physical books, many Gen Zers are choosing e-books due to their convenience and cost-effectiveness, allowing for reading whenever and wherever.
- Audiobooks also appeal to Gen Z readers, along with explanatory videos and analyses on platforms like Bilibili, making literature more engaging and accessible.
- In addition to e-books and audiobooks, Gen Z is also embracing graphic novels, manga, and comic books, as seen on communities like BookTok on TikTok.
- Despite their preference for digital formats, Gen Z readers still value traditional print media, particularly for trusted news sources that avoid sensationalism.
- Reading provides a range of benefits, such as improved sleep quality, stress reduction, memory enhancement, and stimulated imagination, and can be easily accessed via apps like Libby or through Goodreads, quizzes, or recommendations.
