Pleasure Reading Plummets 40% in the US: A Digital Age Warning?
2025-08-28
A new survey reveals a stark 40 percent decline in daily pleasure reading among US adults between 2003 and 2023. Researchers highlight this isn't a minor dip, but a sustained 3 percent annual decrease. This trend correlates with increased consumption of digital media. While those who still read are doing so for slightly longer, the decline is sharper among Black Americans, lower-income individuals, and those living outside cities, highlighting socioeconomic disparities. The research team urges targeted strategies, such as community-led initiatives, to reverse this concerning trend.