Over the past twenty years, the sharp decline in interest in reading books has seriously worried international scientists. Among the U.S. population, the number of people who regularly read books, magazines, or electronic publications has almost halved. This conclusion was presented in the latest study published in the journal “iScience.”
The researchers analyzed data from a large-scale time allocation survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. In the surveys carried out between 2003 and 2023, more than 236,000 respondents over the age of 15 participated. According to the results, if in the early 2000s almost 27 percent of participants devoted time daily to reading books or publications, by 2023 this figure had dropped to only 16 percent.
Commenting on this situation, University of Florida scientist Jill Sonke emphasized:
“This is not a temporary fluctuation, but a steady trend of nearly 3 percent decline every year.”
At the same time, those who continue to read are dedicating more time to it than before. If twenty years ago the average indicator was 1 hour and 23 minutes per day, today it has risen to 1 hour and 37 minutes. Scientists call this process “polarization”: part of the population is becoming more engaged in books, while many others have completely abandoned reading.
Experts explain the decline in interest in reading by the growth of digital entertainment, limited access to libraries, as well as the reduction of free time due to economic difficulties and social factors.
Scientists underline that reading is not only a cultural value but also an important factor for human health. It develops cognitive abilities, reduces stress, and contributes to longevity.
Professor Daisy Fancourt of University College London also commented on the issue with the following conclusion:
“The disappearance of such a simple and universally accessible activity is a serious alarm for society.”
