Discover why fewer people are reading for fun, the surprising benefits of a regular reading habit, and expert-backed strategies to overcome distractions and rediscover the joy of books.
Reading for pleasure is experiencing a significant decline, with recent reports from the US and UK highlighting a substantial drop in adults engaging with books. Experts, including the president of the American Library Association, point to an increasingly distracting world filled with competing entertainment like social media, TV, and podcasts, which often allow for multitasking unlike the focused attention required by books. Major life changes, such as career shifts or starting a family, also contribute to people falling out of their reading routines. Despite this trend, reading offers numerous benefits: fiction can enhance empathy, strengthen social-cognitive abilities, and increase psychological richness, while general reading helps reduce stress, protects cognitive function in later life, and promotes rest. To help individuals rekindle their love for reading, experts recommend exploring diverse genres at a library to find what truly excites them, and not feeling obligated to finish books they don't enjoy. Starting with shorter books or story collections can make the habit less daunting. Making reading a social activity, through book clubs or shared listening experiences, can also boost engagement. Crucially, the medium doesn't matter—physical books, e-readers, or audiobooks are all equally valid. The key is to carve out a small, consistent daily time slot (e.g., 10 minutes before bed) to build a habit and ensure reading remains a source of enjoyment and personal growth.
