Book reading rates have reached a historic peak as more people turn to books to find depth amidst digital saturation, according to the 2025 Reading Habits Barometer.
The report indicates that 66.2% of the population reads books during their leisure time. This figure represents the highest registration recorded in the historical series.
In an era defined by infinite scrolling and ephemeral formats, the book is consolidating its position. According to elmostrador.cl, the format offers a level of depth that algorithms have failed to replace.
While digital platforms offer immediate data, videos, and podcasts, the report suggests books build a specific form of thought. This sustained reading allows for the development of a mental architecture necessary for critical interpretation and decision-making.
This capacity for deep concentration is increasingly viewed as a competitive advantage in the professional world. In a digital ecosystem of permanent notifications, choosing a book is described as a conscious decision to focus without interruptions or automatic recommendations.
Youth engagement and early habits
Contrary to the myth that younger generations have abandoned reading, statistics show a strong presence of the habit among youth. Specifically, 75.3% of individuals between the ages of 14 and 24 maintain a reading habit.
Early childhood development remains a decisive factor in these statistics. In households where children under the age of six are read to, 77.2% of them maintain the practice.
This suggests that the foundation of reading is cultural rather than technological. The ability to pause and reflect is becoming a key tool for navigating modern complexity.
