Beyond the bookstore: Gen Z is reading in new ways

WHEN we think about reading, we often imagine sitting in a quiet room with a book in hand, flipping through the pages one by one. But for the new generation of readers, reading doesn’t just happen in bookstores or libraries anymore.

Gen Z is rewriting the rules of reading, and it’s fascinating to see how they’re changing the game. They read everywhere. It’s online, on their phones, in their headphones, and even in virtual worlds.

For student Sara Nur Marcella, 21, reading does just not necessarily involve printed materials. She also consumes a lot of literature through digital means.

"Reading for us covers a wide range of digital formats. There’s audiobooks, news articles, gossip columns, blogs and even fanfiction all available online," she said.

Alia Kamil, 15, feels that reading can be done anywhere as long as there is a device available.

"Of course I still enjoy a paperback now and then, but digital devices are convenient in [that] it can be done simultaneously with other stuff, I can read quickly, there’s an app to record and track my reading — stuff like that," she said

DIGITAL SPACES ARE THE NEW BOOKSTORES

Let’s face it — they are the first generation that grew up with smartphones in hand, always connected to the internet. So, it's no surprise that many of them turned to digital spaces to find their next read. Think about it: when was the last time you browsed for books in a store?

For young people these days, discovering books is often as simple as scrolling through TikTok or Instagram.

#BookTok has become a huge thing, with users sharing their favourite books, giving recommendations, and even sparking trends around certain genres or authors. A viral video or a shared post can lead to thousands of new readers exploring the same book.

For Ammar Muhaimin Mohammad Fadzlan 17, this was how he found some of his favourite reads.

"I stumbled upon a really good book recommendation recently through an Instagram post. This pushed me into buying a physical copy of the book for the simple reason of showing my support towards the author as a fan. I think that a lot of young readers can relate as to how we find our reading materials," he said.

And it's not just books anymore. Gen Z is reading webcomics, serialised fiction, and even fanfiction on platforms like Wattpad or Archive of Our Own. Stories are being told in bite-sized chunks, ready to be devoured on any device. No need to wait for a book to be released — everything’s just a click away.

SOCIAL MEDIA AS A READING PLATFORM

Social media has also become a space for reading. Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok have turned into platforms for quick, easy-to-digest literary content. Think of the endless book reviews, recommendations, and bite-sized quotes shared online.

Gen Z thrives on short, snappy content, and it's not just about reading full novels anymore. They'll scroll through a 10-second video recommending the best fantasy novels or a tweet with a powerful quote from a book they haven't yet read but now want to.

Sara Nur said for many new readers, bestseller lists are not the definitive guide for reading choices, as some titles don't meet their standards.

“Nonetheless, social media plays a significant role in our decisions, as we often come across random book reviews through our social media feeds, regardless of whether they capture our interest or not.

"Its how I found one of my favourite authors Norhafsah Hamid, who is the bestselling author of 'Will You Stay?' and its sequel, ‘'Will You Love Me?. Funny enough, I stumbled upon her works when I was aimlessly scrolling through TikTok.

"I saw an account reviewing her book which admittedly piqued my interest as the cover was aesthetically pleasing, which led me to read the book's blurb, and ultimately buying both books," Sara Nur said.

TikTok, especially, has given rise to BookTok, a community where books are discussed, celebrated, and sometimes even critiqued in viral videos.

It's a world where reading trends take off faster than you can say "book haul". From fantasy to romance, BookTok’s influence has made certain books go from unknown to bestseller in a matter of weeks.

THE FUTURE OF READING

And then there’s the exciting possibility of interactive reading. This might sound like something out of science fiction, but it's already happening.

Platforms are emerging where readers can immerse themselves in stories through video games or virtual worlds, making choices that shape the direction of the narrative.

For Gen Z, this adds a new layer to storytelling — it's not just about following a plot; it’s about actively participating in the journey.

Imagine walking through the streets of your favourite fictional city, meeting characters you get to interact with. Or, think about a video game where every choice you make impacts the outcome.

That's the direction reading might take, blending gaming, virtual reality, and traditional storytelling into one experience.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE FUTURE OF READING?

For Gen Z, it’s not about where you read, but how you read. Whether it's a physical book, an audiobook, or even a post on social media, reading has become more accessible, more diverse, and more interactive. Stories aren't confined to pages — they’re found in videos, podcasts, and even virtual reality worlds.

For student Eqran Nur Aqiff Esyam Aizam, 17, he still believes libraries and bookstores still play a vital role in the reading world, as it's a safe place to escape from distractions.

"There is a serene feeling you often get in a library which you might not be able to get anywhere else.

"However I do believe that the literary world is evolving in many ways and I am excited to see what the future holds for readers, authors and stories," he said.

The bookstore might not be the heart of the reading experience for Gen Z, but that doesn't mean the love of stories is fading. It's evolving, shifting with the times, and finding new ways to connect with readers.

And as long as stories continue to inspire and spark imagination, who's to say where the next chapter of reading will take us?