Reading for pleasure has plummeted over the past 20 years

The proportion of those in the US who read for pleasure on any given day has decreased by 2 per cent every year over the past two decades. Although it is unclear why this is the case, researchers wonder if more of our time is now taken up by other activities, such as using social media.

Reading for pleasure has been linked to improved mental health and sleep quality, as well as greater academic and career success, reduced risk of cognitive impairment and even a longer…