The Evolving Landscape of Reading in the Digital Age
The world of literature is constantly adapting to the digital age. While charming, dusty libraries remain a haven for many, today’s youth are processing information in a rapidly changing digital landscape.
In Guadalajara, academics observe diverse reading habits among university students: some have left print books behind altogether, embracing the digital realm. Others, perhaps seeking a sense of connection, find solace in reading communities, while a small but dedicated group favors the tactile experience of classic literature.
Monica Márquez, director of the Jorge Villalobos Padilla Library at ITESO, aptly captures this shift in habits. She notes how the pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital reading formats. Even with their eyes glued to screens, students remain drawn to the pleasure of silent, focused reading.
“There are also reading communities where you can enjoy reading in groups,” says Márquez. Young people are finding creative ways to balance database management with pure enjoyment of literature.
The INEGI Reading Module (MOLEC), first employed in 2015, sheds light on reading habits across different age groups in urban areas. Since 2015, young adults aged 18 to 24 have consistently emerged as the population segment with the strongest reading habit.
In 2014, while the general population’s reading rate hovered around 70%, young adults clocked a staggering 83.9%. This contrasted starkly with the 53% rate among those aged 65 and older.
While the data clearly shows that young people are engaged in reading, how they are doing it presents fascinating variations. The digital world is undoubtedly transforming the way these readers interact with literature.
At Guadalajara’s universities, coexistence with the digital world is a defining feature.
According to Márquez, the return to in-person learning at ITESO saw a thriving digital reading landscape. Online reading communities that formed in
lockdown remain active.
“The quality of reading has changed,” Márquez observes. “Young people consume information from image and video sources on social media. This brings less depth, but more diversity. In the case of reading for pleasure, it’s a deeper, more complex experience. They are reading attentively, immersing themselves in classic texts.”
A separate survey conducted at the Universidad Panamericana revealed a striking trend: 60% of students utilize artificial intelligence tools like Chat GPT to understand complex reading material. However, 40.6% of these digitally curious young people believe these tools have, ironically, negatively impacted their reading habits.
Sergio López, director of the University Library System at the University of Guadalajara, underlines a key point: while young adults are the most engaged in reading, getting them to read consistently faces several hurdles. These include the language barrier, accessibility issues, and the growing prevalence of social media and technology that can distract from focused reading.
“Students prefer digital material,” Lopez notes, highlighting the new demands placed on libraries: “Students need good connectivity. However, the open library, one with physical books, remains important – not all information exists online.”
It’s clear that the ‘screens versus pages’ debate misses a critical point; young people navigate both worlds.
Lopez further points out the impact that social media has on young adults. While it connects and disseminates information, it can also be overwhelming: “When we returned to face-to-face classes, the young people seemed anxious. How can you be a good reader when your mind is troubled by burdens?”
Inevitably, the question arises: how do we promote reading beyond the classroom?
The INEGI study highlights two factors: the presence of non-textbooks at home and observing parents or guardians reading. Young people who grew up surrounded by books and reading families often carried this habit into adulthood.
Today, with access to handheld devices, reading methods have transformed. But the desire to learn persists.
The art of reading is evolving, but the human thirst for knowledge, for getting lost in good stories and complex ideas, persists.
What are the main ways technology is impacting the reading habits of young adults?
## The Evolving Landscape of Reading: A Conversation
**Host:** Welcome back to the show! Today, we’re diving into the fascinating world of literature in the digital age. Joining us is Monica Márquez, director of the Jorge Villalobos Padilla Library at ITESO university in Guadalajara. Monica, thank you so much for being here.
**Monica Márquez:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Technology is rapidly changing how we consume information. How has this shift impacted reading habits, particularly among young adults?
**Monica Márquez:** It’s a fascinating time to observe. While some students have fully embraced digital reading, others are finding a balance between the online and offline worlds. We see students engaging in online reading communities, finding solace in shared experiences, which is wonderful. And, interestingly, there’s a dedicated group who still cherish the tactile experience of classic literature. The pandemic accelerated this digital shift, but we’re seeing a continuation of these trends even as in-person learning returns.
**Host:** It’s interesting that you mentioned the pandemic. Did you notice any lasting changes in reading habits after that period of virtual learning?
**Monica Márquez:** Absolutely. Online reading communities that formed during lockdown continue to thrive. And as students returned to campus, we observed a thriving digital reading landscape alongside traditional print.
**Host:** Statistics from the INEGI Reading Module show that young adults consistently have the strongest reading habit. What does this tell us about their relationship with literature?
**Monica Márquez:** It’s encouraging to see that young people are actively engaging with reading. While their approach might differ from previous generations, their desire for knowledge and immersion in stories remains strong.
**Host:** You’ve mentioned a change in the “quality” of reading. Can you elaborate on that?
**Monica Márquez:** Young people are consuming information from diverse sources, including images and videos on social media. This can lead to less in-depth engagement, but also exposes them to a wider range of perspectives. When it comes to reading for pleasure, we see a deeper level of engagement with classic texts. They are selecting longer, more complex works and immersing themselves fully in the experience.
**Host:** We’ve heard a lot about digital communities and the impact of social media. What about the role of technology like AI in shaping the future of reading?
**Monica Márquez:** A recent survey at the Universidad Panamericana revealed that 60% of students are using AI tools like ChatGPT. While these tools can be helpful for research and understanding complex texts, it’s crucial for students to develop critical thinking skills and discern between credible sources and AI-generated content.
**Host:** Monica, thank you so much for sharing your insights. It’s clear that the world of literature is evolving, and it will be fascinating to see how these trends shape the future of reading.
