Reading for pleasure has dropped 40% in 20 years, adding a threat to mental well-being, says study

Americans’ daily leisure reading has fallen from 28% in 2004 to 16% in 2023—a 40% drop that threatens creativity, empathy, and mental health (Image: Pexels)

When was the last time you peacefully flipped through a magazine or curled up with a book just because? If it's been a while, you're not alone. A new study published in iScience has uncovered a steady, worrying trend: in the US, the number of people reading purely for enjoyment has plunged by nearly 40% over the past two decades.

Back in 2004, about 28% of Americans reported reading for pleasure on any given day. However, researchers are observing a change that describe as deeply concerning. They noted that by 2023, that percentage had fallen to just 16%, representing an average yearly decline of about 3%.

The study uses information from the American Time Use Survey, which includes answers from more than 236,000 Americans who are at least 15 years old. The term "leisure reading" was defined broadly to encompass everything from print books and magazines to newspapers, e-readers, and audiobooks.

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Why It Matters 

All groups have seen a decline in leisure reading, but some are more affected than others. The declines have been more pronounced among Black Americans, people living in rural areas, those with lower incomes, and those with less education. On the other hand, although even their rates are declining, women who are better educated and have greater incomes continue to read more.

Reading isn't just a pastime—it’s a powerful tool for mental well-being. Behavioural health researchers emphasise its ability to boost empathy, creativity, stress relief, and lifelong learning. Losing reading as a daily habit, they warn, means losing one of the most accessible ways to support public health.

Why the Decline Occurred

Researchers identify several culprits:

Digital overload: Smartphones, social media, and streaming are competing for our free time.

Reduced attention spans: One study found that by 2016, our attention span had decreased from 2.5 minutes in 2004 to just 47 seconds.

Structural barriers: Economic strains, lack of access to libraries, and busy lifestyles—especially in underserved communities—limit reading time.

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Is There Hope?

Yes. Reading habits with children have remained steady, even if rare—only 2% of adults read with kids daily, despite over 20% of households including children under 9.

Researchers say this offers a promising entry point. Creating community book groups, enhancing library access, and promoting shared reading could all aid in reviving this beneficial habit.