All videos

Gen Z Are Reading More Print Books Than E-Books

Teens and young adults might have a reputation for spending time online, but when it comes to books, 68% of Gen Z readers in the US prefer the printed word. While 42% read e-books in the UK, 80% of the books bought by 13-24-year-olds are printed, while just 14% are e-books.

Gen Z also reads more than any other generation. 83% of US adults aged 18-29 say they regularly read, compared with three-quarters of people aged 30-49. Gen Z has also helped to spur a publishing revival. Book sales hit record highs in the UK and the US last year, driven in part by a 30% increase in sales of young adult fiction and while Gen Z might prefer their books to be printed rather than pixelated. Digital technology has played a big part in this revival, too.


Watch to learn more.

Topics:
Arts and CultureEducation and Skills
Share:

Cultural leaders at Davos: We must preserve our humanity in the digital age

Stéphanie Thomson

January 23, 2025

4:14

Cristina Mittermeier has photographed our planet for 30 years. Here's what she has learned

About us

Engage with us

  • Sign in
  • Partner with us
  • Become a member
  • Sign up for our press releases
  • Subscribe to our newsletters
  • Contact us

Quick links

Language editions

Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

Sitemap

© 2025 World Economic Forum