Health. Fewer and fewer people are reading: why is this worrying?

Published in the journal iScience , the study analyzed data from more than 236,000 Americans between 2003 and 2023.

The results reveal a fundamental cultural shift: fewer and fewer people are spending time reading for pleasure.

Researchers also noted steeper declines among people with lower incomes, lower education levels, or living in rural areas.

" It's not just a drop, it's a steady, constant decline of about 3 percent a year ," says Dr. Jill Sonke of the University of Florida. This is deeply worrying .”

Why is this so important?

Reading for pleasure has long been recognized not only as an educational tool, but also as a way to support mental health, empathy, creativity, and lifelong learning.

“ When we lose one of the simplest tools in our public health toolbox, it’s a huge loss ,” Dr. Sonke said.

Although the study did not address the causes, the researchers suggested several potential factors, including the rise of digital media and unequal access to books and libraries.

The authors further argue that interventions could help slow or reverse the trend.

Starting with reading with children from an early age. “ This not only promotes language and literacy, but also empathy, social connection, emotional development, and school readiness.” " they say.

“ It is important to value and protect access to the arts – by making libraries, for example, more accessible and attractive – not only as a cultural issue, but also as a public health issue .”

Source : University of Florida