Do People Still Read Books? My Honest Thoughts from a Book Lover

I’ve been asked this question so many times: “Do people still read books in this digital age?” And honestly, I get why it comes up. Between Netflix, YouTube, TikTok, and podcasts, it sometimes feels like sitting down with a book has become a lost art. But as someone who still loves flipping through pages (both physical and digital), I can confidently say, books aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Let me walk you through why I believe people still read books, how the habit has changed, and why it’s still so valuable today.

The Hook: Books Aren’t Dead, They’ve Just Evolved

Whenever I walk into a bookstore or even scroll through Kindle recommendations, I’m reminded that stories, knowledge, and curiosity will never go out of style. Sure, the format may look different now, e-books, audiobooks, apps, but the act of “reading” is alive and thriving.

Do People Still Read Books? Absolutely, and Here’s Why

Here are a few reasons I think books are still going strong in today’s world:

• Escapism that screens can’t match – A book pulls you into a world where you control the pace, the visuals, and the emotions.
• Diversity of formats – Not everyone flips paperbacks anymore; some listen to audiobooks on commutes or read e-books before bed.
• Knowledge seekers thrive – Self-help, history, biographies, and even textbooks still have strong readership.
• Digital detox – People are realizing the importance of unplugging, and reading gives that calm, screen-free break.
• The “bookish” community is thriving – Online platforms like Goodreads, BookTok, and Bookstagram have made reading more social and exciting.

What Has Changed About Reading Habits

I’ve noticed (even in my own life) that the how of reading has shifted:

• Shorter attention spans – People may not binge 400 pages in one sitting anymore, but they still read consistently.
• Audiobooks booming – Multitaskers love listening while cooking, driving, or working out.
• Niche interests growing – From fantasy sagas to hyper-specific nonfiction, readers now find books that perfectly match their tastes.
• E-readers making it easier – Kindles and tablets mean carrying an entire library in one device.

Why Reading Still Matters Today

For me, reading isn’t just a hobby, it’s a necessity. Books sharpen your mind, expand your worldview, and sometimes even heal you. Here are a few reasons people still choose books over screens:

• Mental health benefits – Reading lowers stress and helps you unwind.
• Boosts creativity and empathy – Stepping into another character’s shoes broadens your perspective.
• Better focus – Unlike endless scrolling, reading forces you to slow down and engage deeply.
• Timeless value – Books hold wisdom that doesn’t expire with the next algorithm change.

My Final Thoughts: Do People Still Read Books?

The simple answer is yes. People may not always read books the way they used to, but reading itself is still alive and well. Personally, I love knowing that I can cozy up with a paperback, listen to an audiobook on a long walk, or dive into an e-book late at night. The format doesn’t matter, the fact that we’re still engaging with stories and ideas does.

So next time someone asks me, “Do people still read books?” I’ll smile and say, “More than you think, just in new and exciting ways.”