What the panic over Gen Z's reading habits gets wrong

Recent articles have raised concerns about a decline in recreational reading among younger Americans, attributing this trend to the COVID-19 pandemic, artificial intelligence, and social media. However, authors of "How Gen Z Discover and Consume Books" argue that these claims about Gen Z's reading behaviors are misguided. They point to limitations in existing studies, which often fail to capture how Gen Z reads, as they frequently engage in multimodal reading—alternating between print, e-book, and audiobook formats—and use web platforms such as Wattpad, Webtoon, Kindle Unlimited, DC Universe Infinite, and Marvel Comics online.

The authors' 2025 data reveals that 66% of Gen Z identify as readers, a 14 percentage point increase from 2022. Additionally, 65% of Gen Z read at least one print book in the past year, up from 59% in 2022, aligning with Pew Research Center findings for the general population. Gen Z represents the first generation to grow up with internet access from an early age, a period researchers term as the postdigital condition.

Consequently, physical books hold a distinct meaning for Gen Z compared to older generations, often serving as a symbol of a deliberate choice to escape digital distractions. Physical books appeal to Gen Z due to their perceived "digital detox" benefits, aesthetic appeal, and the social aspects they offer, such as loaning, gifting, and the human connection seen in used books.

The authors' analysis of Gen Z's reading behavior, based on three nationally representative surveys conducted in 2020, 2022, and 2025, indicates an increase in bookstore and library visits since 2022. Approximately 36% of Gen Zers found books at bookstores and public libraries, with 85% expressing a desire to find alternative relaxation spaces outside their homes.

Loneliness scores were higher among those who did not visit libraries. Physical bookstores remain popular among Gen Z, with nearly one-third purchasing books from them, indicating they are the preferred place to discover new books. This trend has influenced market responses, with the American Booksellers Association reporting a 70% increase in independent bookstores over the past five years and Barnes & Noble planning to open 60 new stores in 2026.

Traditional methods of measuring recreational reading often overlook postdigital reading practices, which are crucial to understanding Gen Z's reading habits. These practices encompass online book-related activities such as fan fiction writing, social media engagement (e.g., BookTok and Bookstagram), and online reviews via Goodreads.

Literacy researchers argue that literacy extends beyond reading novels or analyzing Victorian prose; it includes interpreting, evaluating, and creating meaning across various texts, media, and social contexts.