Related Data for: Print still matters: A study of adolescents' gendered print and digital reading

Although recent studies suggest adolescents read less and enjoy reading less compared to previous cohorts, technology has also enabled access to more online reading resources. This chapter draws on a survey study (N = 5,732) of Singapore adolescents aged 12 to 16 years old to examine what boys and girls are reading in print and digitally. Findings showed that girls reported higher reading enjoyment, frequency and regular reading. However, both boys and girls from high socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds report greater reading engagement and proficiency compared to students from low-SES backgrounds. Despite a minimal SES divide in terms of device ownership in Singapore, high-SES students tended to read in print and use tablets and e-readers for reading more than their low-SES peers. Boys displayed a heightened affinity for news and discussion websites, whereas girls exhibited a pronounced preference for social media posts, fanfiction and personal essays and writings. The study showed a print superiority with adolescents having more access to print resources and reporting greater reading enjoyment, frequency and proficiency. There is evidence of selective media displacement, with students who enjoy reading making use of both print and digital resources to read even more. Implications for policymakers, educators and librarians are discussed.