Do you sometimes crack open a novel during your downtime? If so, you’re in the minority.
Over the past two decades, reading for pleasure—that is, for leisure and not for school or work—dipped by about 40% in the United States, according to a new study published in the journal iScience.
Researchers from both the University of Florida and University College London analyzed data from Americans collected between 2003 and 2023, tracking how often they read books, magazines, newspapers, e-readers, and audiobooks.
Each year, the number of people who read for fun declined by about 3%.
“I was surprised at the extent of the decrease in reading for pleasure, as it was much larger than I had expected,” study author Jessica Bone, PhD, a senior research fellow in statistics and epidemiology at University College London, told Health.
Experts say the decline isn’t just cultural—it could have real mental health consequences. “At a moment when so many people are burned out, lonely, or anxious, having a practice that reduces stress and improves sleep is so important,” Saba Lurie, LMFT, a board-certified art therapist and owner of Take Root Therapy in Los Angeles, told Health.
Bone said her team has long studied how cultural and artistic activities affect health, but it’s been unclear who is participating, in what context, and whether those patterns have changed over time.
“We chose to focus on reading as it’s one of the most common and easiest ways to engage in the arts,” Bone said.
The 40% drop was the most striking finding, but other important patterns emerged, too. For instance, libraries appear dramatically underused: In 2023, only 0.5% of participants reported visiting a library the previous day, she said.
The data also revealed disparities. For example, the drop was far more pronounced among Black Americans than white Americans. Steeper declines were also seen in people with lower incomes, less education, and those living in nonmetropolitan areas.
Women and individuals with higher education levels were the most likely to read for pleasure—but their habits are shifting. Some are reading more than ever, while some long-time readers have stopped altogether.
Importantly, reading with children hasn’t changed much over time. “This is reassuring,” Bone said, “because reading is really important for children’s development, and reading during childhood helps to determine whether these young people will continue reading once they’re older.”
According to Bone, researchers don’t fully understand what’s driving these trends. “Unfortunately, we can’t tell from our study,” she said. But there are likely multiple factors at play, such as shrinking leisure time and limited access to books and libraries—both of which may contribute to the disparities.
The rise of smartphones likely plays a role as well. “The technology we use has trained us to consume media in short, bite-sized bursts, and it seems more and more difficult to maintain our attention for prolonged periods,” Lurie said. Reading a book—an activity that doesn’t offer the same instant gratification as, say, a TikTok video—may feel slow and grueling by comparison.
The shift in reading habits suggests that many Americans may be missing out on meaningful health benefits. Plenty of evidence shows that reading offers numerous advantages, from reducing stress and cognitive decline to supporting emotional regulation, sleep, and longevity. It also fosters language development, literacy, creativity, and imagination.
Reading can broaden your perspective and expose you to different cultures, which may deepen your understanding of others and strengthen your own sense of belonging and identity, research shows.
When we read stories, we form connections with the characters—a phenomenon known as parasocial interaction—and empathize with them, researchers say. “At a time when the world feels divided and so many of us are stuck in our own echo chambers, books can expand our empathy and give us a much-needed sense of connection,” Lurie said.
Reading doesn’t need to—nor should it—feel like a burden. To keep it fun, be intentional about the books you pick up. If the latest Pulitzer Prize winner feels like a bore, that’s OK! Don’t force it.
“Choosing books that genuinely interest you, instead of ones you feel you ‘should’ read, can also make the habit stick,” Lurie said. By identifying the genres you enjoy, whether that’s romance, true crime, or fantasy, reading will feel less of a chore and more like an activity you look forward to, said Janelle Peifer, PhD, LCP, a licensed clinical psychologist and an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Richmond.
Consider following Jenna Bush Hager’s lead and simply aim to read a little bit every day—a trend she dubbed streaking back in 2023. You don’t need to read for an hour—even cracking open for a few minutes each day can help you maintain a streak, she’s found. Peifer recommends that her clients carry a book or tablet with them so they can read a couple pages during downtime instead of reaching for their phones.
Finally, take advantage of your local library if you live near one. Many now offer free e-books and audiobooks through the Libby app.
And if you struggle with reading because it’s inherently a solitary activity, consider joining a book club, either in person or online. You can also explore BookTok, a TikTok community where people share book reviews and recommendations. You can absolutely build a community around books. “Doing so can add a layer of connection that keeps you motivated,” Lurie said.
