Americans read for much less frequent pleasure – and lack the main advantages of health

Sometimes you open a novel during your downtime? If so, you are in a minority.

Over the past two decades, Read for pleasure-that is to say for leisure and not for school or work-soaked by around 40% In the United States, according to a new study published in the journal ISCIENCE.

Researchers from the University of Florida and the University College London analyzed the data of the Americans collected between 2003 and 2023, following the frequency to which they read books, magazines, newspapers, electronic readers and audio books.

Each year, the number of people who read for fun have decreased by around 3%.

“I was surprised by the extent of the decrease in reading for pleasure, because it was much greater than what I expected,” said the author of the study Jessica Bone, PhD, principal researcher in statistics and epidemiology at the University College of London, Health.

Experts say that the decline is not only cultural – it could be real mental health consequences. “At a time when so many people are exhausted, alone or anxious, having a practice that reduces stress and improves sleep is so important,” said Saba Lurie, LMFT, a certified art therapist and owner of root therapy in Los Angeles, said in Los Angeles, Health.

Bone said that his team has long studied how cultural and artistic activities affect health, but we do not know who participates, in what context and if these models have changed over time.

“We have chosen to focus on reading because it is one of the most common and easiest ways to get involved in the arts,” said Bone.

The 40% drop was the most striking discovery, but other important models have also emerged. For example, libraries seem dramatically underused: In 2023, only 0.5% of participants said they had visited a library the day before, she said.

The data also revealed disparities. For example, drop was much more pronounced among black Americans than white Americans. Higher drops have also been observed in people with lower income, less education and those who live in non -metropolitan areas.

Women and individuals with Higher education levels were the The most likely to read for pleasure– But their habits change. Some read more than ever, while some long -standing readers have stopped completely.

Above all, read with children has not changed much Over time. “It’s reassuring,” said Bone, “because reading is really important for the development of children, and reading during childhood helps to determine if these young people will continue to read once older.”

According to Bone, researchers do not fully understand what stimulates these trends. “Unfortunately, we cannot say it about our study,” she said. But there are probably several factors at stake, such as Leisure time in narrowing And limited access to books and libraries, both of which can contribute to disparities.

THE Smartphones climb probably also plays a role. “The technology we use we have formed to consume media in gusts the size of a bite, and it seems increasingly difficult to maintain our attention for prolonged periods,” said Lurie. Reading a book – an activity that does not offer the same instant gratuity as, say, a tiktok video – can feel slow and exhausting in comparison.

Change in reading habits suggests that many Americans can miss Significant advantages for health. Many evidence shows that reading offers Many advantages, the reduction of stress and cognitive decline to support emotional regulation, sleep and longevity. It also promotes the development of language, literacy, creativity and imagination.

Reading can expand your perspective and expose you to different cultures, which can deepen your understanding of others and strengthen your own feeling of belonging and identity, shows research.

When we read stories, we establish links with the characters – a phenomenon known as the parasocial interaction – and sympathize with them, according to the researchers. “At a time when the world feels divided and so many of us are stuck in our own echo rooms, books can extend our empathy and give us a very necessary feeling of connection,” said Lurie.

Reading does not need – or reason – of the burden. To stay fun, be intentional about the books you take. If the last winner of the Pulitzer price feels like a bore, it’s ok! Don’t force it.

“Choosing books that You really interest you, Instead of those you feel you should read, you can also make the habit stick, ”said Lurie. identify the genres you like, Whether it is romance, real crime or fantasy, reading will feel less a chore and more an activity that you are looking forward to, said Janelle Peifer, PHD, LCP, approved clinical psychologist and deputy professor of psychology at the University of Richmond.

Consider following the example of Jenna Bush Hager and simply aim at Read a little every day—A trend, she nicknamed the streaks in 2023. You don’t need to read for an hour-even opening for a few minutes a day can help you maintain a sequence, she found. Peifer recommends that his customers carry a book or tablet with them so that they can read a few pages during downtime instead of reaching their phones.

Finally, Take advantage of your local library If you live near one. Many now offer free electronic books and audio books via the Libby application.

And if you have trouble reading because it is intrinsically a lonely activity, consider join a reading club, either in person or online. You can also explore Booktok, a Tiktok community where people share criticism and book recommendations. You can absolutely build a community around books. “This can add a connection layer that keeps you motivated,” said Lurie.