In an era dominated by smartphones and digital platforms, youths are increasingly turning to audiobooks and e-books for convenience and to reconnect with literature.
For many youths, traditional reading has taken a digital turn.
In separate interviews won Sunday in Lagos, some youths said that e-books and audiobooks enable them to balance their busy lives while pursuing knowledge and entertainment.
Adekanyisola Adelana, a 28-year-old fashion designer, attributed her growing love for literature to listening to audiobooks.
“I’m always working, but I still want to gain knowledge. Audiobooks are convenient and affordable. They have improved my reading habits. You can’t be travelling around Lagos traffic holding a book, but with audiobooks, you can just listen and reflect,” she said.
Oluwaseun Olorunda, a University of Lagos student and fashion designer, noted that audiobooks and e-books have increased literature’s accessibility and comprehension.
“They help me focus, especially when I am on the go. Digital platforms are also sparking a love for reading in my friends who previously didn’t read much,” the student said.
For Ebun Rafiu, an 18-year-old student, convenience and cost-effectiveness were key motivations for embracing digital reading, which she discovered three years ago.
“One of the reasons I started engaging in online books is because of the lack of access to hard copies; online books are more convenient, and it also cuts costs,” the student explained.
Kelvin Philip, a 27-year-old graphics designer and software developer, noted that reading digitally helps to reduce the burden of carrying books around.
“I can be at work and want to read a book. All I need to do is open my phone, open a digital reading platform, and start reading,” he said.
The flexibility of listening and reading on the go has helped to sustain reading habits and foster intellectual growth among young people.
Many people, who once struggled to find time to read books, now spend more time on content through apps, including Wattpad, Novel-up, Audible, Scribd, and Google Books.
However, despite its advantages, the digitisation of literature still has its challenges.
The shift to digital reading also introduces some challenges, including limited access to the internet and data costs, which remain a barrier for some users. Some others struggle with distractions from social media updates and constant notifications while reading.
Some other challenges and disadvantages are low battery, app or website crashes, unavailability of some other genres, and age restrictions.
Olusola Akintoye, a student, said that subscription payments often discouraged readers.
“Sometimes I get annoyed when I see payment pop-ups. I can’t afford it at times, so at that point I stop reading,” he said.
To address these issues, Mr Akintoye recommended creating access by making the platforms more affordable.
He recommended that platforms offer free versions of selected titles or flexible subscription models for students and low-income earners.
“There should be easier payment options and maybe some free access, which will encourage more young people to read,” he said.
He also recommended offline downloads to help reduce distractions associated with reading online. He called for awareness campaigns to help promote focus and consistency while using digital reading tools.
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