Overview

• An iScience paper analyzing 236,270 American Time Use Survey responses reports a drop from about 28% reading for enjoyment on a typical day in 2004 to 16% in 2023, excluding 2020.
• Declines were steepest for Black Americans, people with lower income or education, and rural residents, widening gaps with white, higher‑income, and urban groups.
• Among those who still read for enjoyment, average time rose from roughly 1 hour 23 minutes in 2003 to about 1 hour 37 minutes in 2023.
• Reading with children remained uncommon at roughly 2% of adults on an average day, a rate the authors say is concerning for future literacy.
• The study did not test causes and notes survey limits that may undercount digital formats, though researchers cite digital media use, economic pressure, limited leisure, and access barriers as likely contributors.