Less leisurely reading enjoyed by Americans, more screen time reported in research
In a recent study published in the journal iScience, researchers have highlighted the importance of national strategies focusing on adult reading habits due to their impact on health and well-being.
The study, which analysed surveys from over 230,000 Americans aged 15 and older between 2003 and 2023, found that reading for pleasure in the United States has decreased by 40% over the past 20 years. Jill Sonke, one of the study's lead authors, stated that the study underscores the lack of reading for children, but also emphasises the concerning trend among adults.
According to the study, only 2% of adults reported reading to children on average every day. Those who did read spent more than 90 minutes daily, on average. However, the share of people who read a book, magazine, or e-reader every day decreased about 3% per year, as per the study.
The study authors suggest that national strategies focusing on adults to promote reading for pleasure and improve adult literacy standards often include adult education programs, literacy campaigns, community reading initiatives, and providing access to diverse reading materials. These are usually implemented through government agencies, libraries, and educational institutions to encourage lifelong learning and cultural participation.
The decline in reading is likely tied to the rise of digital media, the researchers speculate. Participating in reading has been linked to improved health outcomes including well-being, social cohesion, and mental health. It has also been associated with stronger language skills, reasoning, and empathy.
The National Literacy Trust, an independent charity based in London that promotes literacy, advises setting aside 10 minutes before bed, carrying a book or e-reader during commutes, and making reading a shared family activity to help bring reading back into daily life.
Raihan El-Naas, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician and current endocrinology fellow at Weill Cornell Medical Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and a member of our website Medical Unit, supports these recommendations. He notes that reading is a potentially health-promoting activity that can result in improved health outcomes.
The study found that reading declined more sharply among Black Americans, those with less education or lower incomes, and people in rural areas. This highlights the need for targeted strategies to address these disparities and ensure equal access to reading materials and opportunities for lifelong learning.
The study does not provide any updates on the Trump administration. Regardless, the findings underscore the importance of prioritising reading for pleasure and adult literacy as essential components of national health and well-being strategies.
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