Book readers in the digital age: Reading practices and media technologies

Author(s)
Annika Schwabe, Lukas Kosch, Hajo Boomgaarden, Günther Stocker
Abstract

With the rising popularity of digital reading media, leisure reading is undergoing a transformation process. However, the reasons for readers to adopt e-book reading or to stick to traditional printed books are mainly unknown. Therefore, we explored demographic and motivational differences between print readers, digital readers, and readers using both reading media. We further studied their book-reading practices, like the amount of reading, the preferred genres, the different reading situations, and if there are dedicated reading media for specific genres or situations. Additionally, we explored if digital reading media have changed the reading process or just appeal to a certain type of reader. Therefore, we conducted a survey (n  =  779) of adult book readers about their leisure reading behavior. The results show that print readers, digital readers, and readers using both media differ in age, gender, amount of reading, genre preference, and the situations in which they read. Furthermore, digital reading media especially foster reading on the move.

Organisation(s)
Department of German Studies, Department of Communication
Journal
Mobile Media & Communication
Volume
11
Pages
367-390
No. of pages
24
ISSN
2050-1579
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/20501579221122208
Publication date
10-2022
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
508018 Reception research, 602003 General literature studies, 602014 German studies
Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Communication, Computer Networks and Communications, Media Technology
Portal url
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/book-readers-in-the-digital-age-reading-practices-and-media-technologies(8f1ea07a-a8b1-44dd-b9e5-bd7a28f9383d).html