Do Young People Still Read Books?

In today’s fast world of smartphones, reels, and Netflix, one question keeps popping up—do young people still read books? Or have books become something only “older people” care about?

This is a question many parents, teachers, and even writers ask. With so much entertainment available online, it’s easy to think that young people no longer have the time or interest to sit with a good book.

But here’s the truth: Yes, young people still read books. A lot of them do. You just have to look in the right places.

Here's what we found out about the reading habits of today’s generation.

1. They Read—Just Differently

It’s not that young people have stopped reading. They’ve just changed how and what they read. While earlier generations might have read thick novels or daily newspapers, today’s youth enjoy:

• E-books and audiobooks

• Manga and graphic novels

• Fanfiction on platforms like Wattpad and Archive of Our Own

• Short stories, poetry, and micro-tales on Instagram and other social media

Many Gen Z readers say that they love reading on the go. That means mobile apps, tablets, or even listening to books while doing chores. The format may have changed, but the love for stories hasn’t.

2. BookTok and Bookstagram Are Huge

You might think that social media distracts young people from reading. But in many cases, social media brings them back to books.

Take Instagram, the #Bookstagram community is filled with aesthetic book photos, reading challenges, and cozy reading nooks. These platforms are not killing reading—they’re changing how books are discovered and shared.

3. Young Readers Want to Feel Seen

One big reason why some young people lose interest in reading is because they don’t find stories that reflect their own lives, cultures, or feelings.

But now, thanks to independent publishers and writers from diverse backgrounds, more young people are finding books that feel personal and relatable. They are reading stories about:

• Mental health

• LGBTQ+ identity

• Friendship and love

• Social justice

• Local cultures and languages

In Assam and other parts of Northeast India, for example, many young readers are now drawn to writers who tell stories from their region, their language, and their emotions.

4. They Love Deep Stories

Young readers may enjoy memes and short videos—but that doesn’t mean they don’t crave depth. In fact, many young people are looking for books that make them feel deeply, think critically, and see the world differently.

Books like It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, or even Assamese titles written by local youth authors, touch on grief, love, trauma, and personal growth. These are the books young people talk about, cry over, and recommend to friends.

5. Reading is Self-Care Now

For many young readers, reading has become a form of self-care. Life today can feel overwhelming—pressure from studies, careers, and constant online activity. A book offers an escape. A break.

Whether it's reading fantasy, romance, or poetry before bed, young readers are using books to slow down, breathe, and feel better.

In fact, many people now post reels or photos of their “reading routines”—tea, soft music, and a good book. That peaceful image is very popular with today’s generation.

6. They Also Write

Reading and writing often go hand in hand. And we’re seeing more and more young people becoming writers too. Platforms like Wattpad and Medium are filled with poems, stories, and personal essays written by teens and young adults.

WissenMonk itself has published multiple works by young, first-time authors. Whether it’s a short story collection, a poetry book, or even a novel—young people are not just consuming stories. They are creating them.

7. Libraries, Book Cafes, and Indie Bookstores Are Back

With the rise of independent bookstores and creative cafes, young people now have cool, quiet places to read and connect. In Guwahati, for example, places like The Buddha Grove are creating cozy reading environments where events, open mics, and book signings take place.

Instead of hanging out at malls, many young readers prefer a good bookstore or reading cafe where they can feel inspired and relaxed.

8. They Are Curious and Open-Minded

One of the most amazing things about young readers is how curious they are. They read across genres—romance, thriller, sci-fi, nonfiction, and more. They are not afraid to try new authors or explore new topics.

They also love recommendations from friends, social media, or even from bookstores. When they like a book, they don’t just read it. They talk about it, post about it, and sometimes even create fan art or videos.

9. Reading Builds Community

Young people love to feel part of something. Reading is no longer a solo hobby. With online book clubs, live discussions, and reading challenges, young readers now connect with others who share the same book love.

Some communities even use reading to talk about serious topics like climate change, gender equality, and mental health. In this way, books help start meaningful conversations and build stronger youth voices.

10. So, Do Young People Still Read Books?

Yes. Absolutely. But they do it their way.

They may prefer a Kindle over a hardback. They may post their reactions on reels instead of keeping a private journal. They may write fanfiction instead of essays. But they are still reading. They are still growing with books.

And perhaps the best part? They are bringing new energy to the world of reading—making it cooler, more inclusive, and more exciting than ever.

Final Thoughts

As a publisher, bookstore, or book lover, the key is to understand this new wave of young readers. Let’s meet them where they are. Let’s create more relatable stories. Let’s build spaces where reading feels joyful, not forced.

Because at the end of the day, books aren’t going anywhere. As long as there are stories to tell, young people will keep reading them.