By Mirwais Haidari
Many young Australians are spending less time reading books as social media, streaming platforms, and digital entertainment continue to dominate daily life.
Interviews conducted at University of Technology Sydney revealed that while some students still enjoy reading, many struggle to find time and concentration because of online distractions.
Carly, a student who enjoys drama and action books, said social media has made reading less popular among young people.
“I think it’s easier to just scroll on your phone instead of focusing and reading a book,” Carly said.
Another interviewee, Megan, admitted she rarely finishes books because concentrating has become difficult.
“I find it really hard to concentrate on what I’m reading, so I normally can’t make it through a whole book,” Megan said.
She believes movies, video games, and social media are replacing traditional reading habits among younger generations. However, she said audiobooks may help younger readers become more interested in stories and literature.
Despite these challenges, several students still believe reading remains important for personal growth and mental wellbeing.
Cermie — who reads philosophy, fiction, and crime books — said reading can improve mindset and communication skills.
“Social media takes a lot of people’s attention nowadays,” Cermie said. “People spend most of their time online instead of reading books.”
Ruby, another regular reader, said finding the right genre is the key to building a reading habit.
“If you find a book in a genre you enjoy, reading becomes really enjoyable,” she said.
She also explained that reading a few pages every day can help students slowly develop a stronger habit of reading.
While digital entertainment continues to grow, many students still believe books offer relaxation, knowledge, and a healthier escape from constant social media use.
Featured image: Carly (centre) said social media has made reading less popular. Photo: Mirwais Haidari
