Generation Z is still reading in the digital era

Story and photo by Claudia Alessandra Mascitti Nogueiras

In a world dominated by algorithms, fast-paced content, and endless notifications, the classic image of reading a physical book may appear increasingly antiquated. Yet literature is far from disappearing-it’s evolving. Particularly among Generation Z, born roughly between 1997 and 2012, who have grown up immersed in digital technology, reading has taken on new forms and meanings.

According to a recent study on reading habits in Spain (Hábitos de lectura y compra de libros en España, CONECTA, January 2024), 95.5% of Spaniards over age 14 read regularly—a figure that challenges the myth that younger generations are abandoning books. Among these readers, 68.3% read books primarily for leisure, with the highest engagement found among those aged 14 to 24. While the data focuses on Spain, similar trends are observed across Europe and beyond, suggesting that reading remains vibrant—even if the ways we read are changing.

Redefining reading in the digital age

Interviews with Erasmus students from various countries reflect a shared sentiment: Generation Z still reads, but the definition of "reading" has broadened. Today, it includes not only printed books but also blogs, social media posts, online articles, and multimedia content.

Chiara, a 20-year-old student from Italy, shares:
“I’m not part of BookTok or in any book clubs, but sometimes a TikTok about a book catches my eye—and that’s how I decide what to read.”

This shift illustrates how reading is being redefined to suit a digitally native generation, one used to fast, interactive, and visually engaging content.

The power of social media: BookTok and beyond

BookTok—TikTok’s vibrant book community—is a striking example of how social media is shaping Gen Z's reading habits. It has propelled titles like Normal People by Sally Rooney and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid into global bestsellers. Short, engaging videos filled with emotional reactions, humor, and personal insights have made literature feel more relatable and accessible.

Other platforms also play a major role. Instagram’s Bookstagram showcases visually curated book content, while YouTube’s BookTube offers long-form reviews, author interviews, and vlogs. Goodreads continues to serve as a hub for tracking reading goals and discovering personalized recommendations.

Together, these platforms dismantle traditional literary gatekeeping, allowing influencers and everyday readers alike to shape trends and redefine what—and how—we read.

Digital vs. physical: A matter of preference

When asked about their preferred reading formats, many students favored digital options for their convenience and portability. Especially e-books and audiobooks are popular among young people balancing studies, travel, and social lives. The ability to carry hundreds of titles, adjust text size, and access books instantly suits the fast, mobile lifestyles of Gen Z readers.

A 2023 study by the Pew Research Center found that nearly 70% of readers aged 18 to 29 had engaged with digital reading formats. Similarly, the International Publishers Association reports that audiobook sales are growing by over 25% annually, largely because they allow multitasking—listening while commuting, exercising, or doing chores.

Still, many readers express a deep emotional attachment to physical books. Ana, a Spanish Erasmus student, explains:
“I use my Kindle when traveling, but I always bring a physical book—it feels more intimate, helps me focus, and disconnects me from screens.”

This experience aligns with findings from the University of Stavanger in Norway, where researchers discovered that physical books can foster greater immersion, memory retention, and sensory engagement.

Moreover, physical books carry symbolic value. A bookshelf at home can reflect personal identity, aesthetic taste, and a sense of belonging. Bookstores, libraries, and book gifting remain cherished cultural rituals.

Audiobooks and Podcasts: Expanding Access

Audiobooks and literary podcasts are further expanding access to literature. These formats especially resonate with readers facing time constraints or attention fatigue, offering a more flexible entry point into storytelling.

A 2022 Nielsen report revealed that audiobook listeners consume an average of eight hours of content per week. While some critics argue this may encourage passive listening rather than active engagement, many users report feeling more emotionally connected through narrators' performances, which can enhance empathy and deepen storytelling.

Rather than replacing traditional reading, audiobooks and podcasts offer an additional way to experience literature—one that fits seamlessly into busy, modern lives.

What we’re reading: Genres and trends

Gen Z’s reading preferences are diverse, spanning from fiction to nonfiction, fantasy to science, and memoir to manga. While entertainment genres dominate globally, young readers also show growing interest in topics like mental health, science, and identity.

In Spain, self-help books appeal mostly to women aged 45–54, while younger readers gravitate toward scientific and health-related nonfiction. Madrid, Catalonia, and Navarra lead in readership rates, while regions like Galicia and Extremadura lag behind. Gender gaps are also apparent: women read for leisure nearly 10 percentage points more than men.

In Turkey, youth reading habits show similarities with some key differences. About half of Turkish readers aged 15–24 engage with books—fewer than in Spain, but still notable. Turkish readers tend to favor literature, religious texts, and educational materials, whereas Spanish readers lean more toward fiction and health-themed nonfiction.

Access plays a role, too. Spain boasts an extensive network of libraries and bookstores, while in Turkey, public libraries see less frequent use and book-related events are fewer. Still, social media is likely influencing Turkish youth in similar ways as their European peers, even if data is more limited.

Are we reading less—or just differently?

A common stereotype claims Generation Z is reading less, but the reality is more complex.
“We read differently,” says Marcos, a Spanish student. “Not always novels or classics, but we’re still readers.”

Some students admit they struggle to concentrate amid digital distractions, while others find refuge in books. Clara, also from Spain, reflects:
“Reading slows everything down. It’s one of the few things that still makes me feel human.”

Books that explore identity, mental health, and relationships resonate deeply with Gen Z. Authors like Matt Haig, Sally Rooney, and Alice Oseman speak to this generation’s concerns, earning passionate followings.

Literature’s enduring place in a digital world

Generation Z is not abandoning literature—it’s reshaping it. The formats may shift, and the platforms may evolve, but the fundamental desire for storytelling remains strong.

To keep reading alive and relevant, educators, publishers, and communities must embrace these changes without fear or nostalgia. Literature is not in decline—it’s in transition.