Reading behavior and reader formation in the digital age

Abstract

In this article, we investigate the reading behavior of generations Y and Z in the digital age, focusing on the relationship between audiovisual and literary texts. The research explores how these generations, influenced by technological evolution and streaming services, consume both literature and audiovisual productions. Based on Santaella's classification of reader’s types, the analysis categorized young people into profiles such as contemplative, moving, immersive, and ubiquitous readers. A questionnaire was administered to 89 young people between the ages of 13 and 20 to understand their reading habits and the attention they dedicate to consuming books and audiovisual content. The results show that most respondents read physical books and watch audiovisual adaptations, although there is a growing tendency to divide their attention between other applications while reading and watching. We conclude that young people present characteristics of both immersive and ubiquitous readers, suggesting the need to adapt educational practices to include multiliteracies and the use of audiovisual narratives in the classroom.