Is Screen Reading Hurting or Helping Literacy?

In 2025, Americans spend more time reading on screens than ever before. From smartphones and tablets to e-readers and laptops, digital reading has become a daily habit. But as screen time grows, an important question arises: Is screen reading helping literacy or hurting it? The answer isn’t simple. While screen-based reading has clear benefits, it also comes with challenges that shape how Americans, especially younger generations, process information and develop reading habits.

The Rise of Screen Reading in the U.S.

For decades, reading meant flipping through pages of a paperback or hardcover. Now, millions of Americans consume stories, articles, and textbooks on screens. Digital libraries, Kindle, and apps like Libby have made reading more accessible than ever. Even social platforms like BookTok and online fanfiction sites are pulling younger readers into stories through digital formats.

The shift has created new opportunities for literacy growth—but also sparked debates among educators, parents, and researchers.

The Benefits of Screen Reading

1. Accessibility and Convenience
   With just a phone, readers have access to millions of books. For rural areas or low-income families, free apps and digital libraries remove barriers to literacy.
2. Customization
   Screen reading allows users to adjust font sizes, brightness, and even narration speed for audiobooks. These features help people with visual impairments, dyslexia, or other learning challenges.
3. Engagement Through Multimedia
   Interactive e-books and digital tools can enhance comprehension, especially for students. Highlighting, instant dictionaries, and note-taking features support deeper learning.
4. Cost-Effectiveness
   Many e-books are cheaper than print, and some are free through subscriptions or library systems. For families encouraging kids to read, this is a major advantage.

The Downsides of Screen Reading

1. Shallower Comprehension
   Studies show that readers often skim digital texts instead of reading deeply. The scrolling nature of screens encourages scanning rather than focus.
2. Distractions Everywhere
   Notifications, social media, and multitasking reduce attention spans. Even dedicated e-readers don’t fully remove the temptation to switch tasks.
3. Eye Strain and Fatigue
   Extended screen use can cause digital eye strain, headaches, and reduced reading stamina—issues that rarely occur with print books.
4. Memory and Retention Issues
   Research suggests that readers remember less when reading on screens compared to print, making it harder to retain key details.

The Impact on Kids and Teens

For children, the balance between print and screen reading is especially crucial. While apps and e-books make stories engaging, too much screen time can limit focus and comprehension. Educators recommend blending formats—using digital tools for discovery but encouraging print for deep reading.

In the U.S., parents and teachers are increasingly aware of this balance, pushing for screen moderation while still embracing the benefits of digital learning.

Is Screen Reading Hurting or Helping?

The truth is, screen reading is both helping and hurting literacy. It has opened doors to millions of readers, making books more accessible, customizable, and affordable. But at the same time, it risks weakening the deep, focused reading skills that are essential for comprehension and critical thinking.

The best approach may not be choosing one format over the other, but combining them. Print books nurture deep reading, while screens expand access and encourage exploration. Together, they create a richer, more balanced reading culture in the U.S.

Final Thoughts: Celebrate All Ways of Reading

Whether you’re scrolling through an e-book on your Kindle or turning the pages of a paperback, what matters most is that reading remains part of daily life. Literacy is evolving, not disappearing.

At Readers Closet, we believe every kind of reader deserves to be celebrated. That’s why our book-inspired T-shirts are made for screen readers, page turners, and everyone in between. Explore our collection today and wear your reading pride wherever you go!