From paperbacks to BookTok, the story of reading is still being written.

Over the past five decades, reading habits around the world have transformed—shaped by new technologies, cultural shifts, and evolving lifestyles. In this post, we explore how reading behavior has changed, compare today’s statistics with those of earlier generations, and look closely at global trends and the shifting preferences of younger readers.

Are People Reading Less?

Yes—but not the whole story.

In the United States, book reading is at a historic low. A 2021 Gallup poll found that Americans read an average of 12.6 books per year, down from 15.6 in 2016. That’s the lowest figure Gallup has recorded since it began tracking reading in 1990.
Source: Gallup

In the United Kingdom, leisure reading has also declined. Only 32% of UK adults regularly read books for pleasure, according to national surveys.

“I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.” — Groucho Marx

Then vs. Now: A 50-Year Comparison

In the 1970s, books were a central form of entertainment and education. Today, with constant access to digital media and screen-based distractions, traditional book reading has become less common.

Consider this:

• In 1978, 42% of Americans reported reading 11 or more books in the previous year.
• In 2021, that number dropped to just 27%.
  Source: Gallup

The time and attention once devoted to reading are now divided among streaming, social media, podcasts, and games.

news.gallup.com

Which Countries Read the Most?

Looking at global book sales per capita, these countries lead the way:

• United States
• China
• Germany
• Japan
• United Kingdom
• France
• Italy
• South Korea
• Spain
• Canada

These rankings reflect both the size of national publishing markets and consumer book-buying behavior.
Source: Statista

What Are We Reading Now?

Literary tastes have evolved with each generation:

• 1970s – Nature and adventure (Jaws, Watership Down)
• 1980s – Humor and satire (The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy)
• 1990s – Memoir and personal history (Angela’s Ashes)
• 2020s – Feel-good fiction and cozy mysteries, like The Thursday Murder Club, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic
  Source: The Times

There’s also growing demand for self-help, mental health, and personal development titles—suggesting readers still seek stories that inspire, soothe, or guide.

Reading Trends Among Young People

Perhaps the most concerning shift is among teens and young adults.

In 1984, 35% of teenagers read for pleasure.
By 2023, that number dropped to just 14%.
Source: Vox

This change closely mirrors the rise of smartphones and near-constant screen time. Reading now competes with short-form video, messaging apps, and digital games—all designed to capture attention in seconds.

But It’s Not All Bad News

Despite these trends, reading isn’t disappearing—it’s evolving.

• Audiobooks and e-books are more accessible than ever
• Platforms like TikTok’s BookTok have revived interest in young adult fiction, fantasy, and romance
• Community reading programs, subscription boxes, and digital libraries are drawing in new readers
• Genres like personal development and true crime continue to expand

The publishing world is adapting, offering readers new ways to connect with books.

Final Thoughts: Where Reading Goes From Here

The act of reading has changed—but its value hasn’t.

Yes, fewer people read traditional books, and younger generations read differently than their parents. But the need for stories, knowledge, and reflection remains strong. By meeting readers where they are—on screens, with audio, through engaging formats—we can nurture a lifelong relationship with books.