Reading behavior in the digital environment

TLDR

Annotating and highlighting while reading is common in printed materials. The study investigates how reading behavior has evolved over the past decade in digital environments. The authors used survey and analysis methods to examine digital reading behavior. The study found that screen‑based reading has become dominant, with increased browsing, scanning, keyword spotting, one‑time and non‑linear reading, selective focus, and reduced in‑depth and sustained attention, while traditional print‑like patterns have not yet transferred to digital reading.

Abstract

Purpose This study attempts to investigate reading behavior in the digital environment by analyzing how people's reading behavior has changed over the past ten years. Design/methodology/approach Survey and analysis methods are employed. Findings With an increasing amount of time spent reading electronic documents, a screen‐based reading behavior is emerging. The screen‐based reading behavior is characterized by more time spent on browsing and scanning, keyword spotting, one‐time reading, non‐linear reading, and reading more selectively, while less time is spent on in‐depth reading, and concentrated reading. Decreasing sustained attention is also noted. Annotating and highlighting while reading is a common activity in the printed environment. However, this “traditional” pattern has not yet migrated to the digital environment when people read electronic documents. Originality/value Implications for the changes in reading behavior are discussed, and directions for future research are suggested.