76% of College Students Prefer Digital for Academic Reading, Shifting Traditional Book Habits

A recent observation from "Vauban Books" highlights a perceived significant shift in academic reading habits, noting that "not even grad students read books" anymore, contrasting with two decades prior. This sentiment reflects a broader trend confirmed by recent studies indicating a strong preference for digital formats among university students for their academic pursuits.

Research published in 2024 on college students' reading habits, including graduate students, reveals a clear inclination towards screen-based materials for academic purposes. A survey of US university students found that a substantial 76.04% of their academic reading occurs on screens, compared to a mere 11.73% for paper-based news consumption. This digital dominance for academic texts is stable across both undergraduate and graduate levels.

This shift is largely driven by the accessibility, convenience, and cost advantages offered by digital resources. Students find it easier to access and manage vast amounts of information through e-books, online articles, and digital platforms. While print materials are still favored for leisure reading (53.79%), the practicality of digital formats for research and coursework outweighs the traditional preference in an academic setting.

However, this transition is not without its complexities. Studies suggest that while digital formats can boost engagement through interactive features, they may also contribute to fragmented attention spans and shallower comprehension. Some research indicates that students often need to reread digital content to fully understand it, and that printed materials may still offer advantages for deep reading and retention.

The concern raised by "Vauban Books" underscores the challenges faced by traditional publishing and educational institutions. As students increasingly rely on digital tools, there is a growing need to balance the benefits of digital accessibility with strategies that foster critical thinking and sustained focus. Educators are exploring hybrid approaches that integrate both digital and print materials to optimize learning outcomes in this evolving landscape.