Fact sheet- Reading for pleasure

Reading for pleasure is an important part of creating and maintaining a successful

education. Not only that, but there are social and mental benefits for readers as well that
directly correlate to their communities. No matter what age you are, an increase in
reading for pleasure will not only benefit you, but it will also benefit those around you.
~
Why does it matter if young adults read for pleasure?
Studies have shown that reading for pleasure increases young adults empathy,
improves their relationships with others, reduces symptoms of depression and risk of
dementia and improves well being throughout their life.1 This is important to note as
these benefits span across social, mental, educational and economic opportunities. Young
adults, especially students, can use this information to better themselves in various ways.
With the increase in technology and various new forms of entertainment, the
number of college students reading for pleasure has declined. It is important to note,
however, that students are still reading. Through their electronic devices and social
media, students are constantly ingesting information. However this type of reading has
not shown substantial benefits when compared to reading novels for pleasure. Cultivating
a habit for entertainment reading during college can help set the framework for a
successful educational and professional lifestyle.
Dont students already do enough reading to obtain these benefits through their
college courses?
While it might seem that any type of reading would give their audiences these
benefits-that is not always the case. No matter what a student reads they are expanding
their vocabulary and learning. However, when students read purely for pleasure rather
than for memorization, they become much more engaged in the literature. Students would
much rather pick what they read based on what interests them2, and therefore are more
perceptive to the benefits reading for pleasure provides. The textbooks often assigned to
students are purely educational and do not provide increases in empathy and social skills
like novels do.

1 Source: http://readingagency.org.uk/news/media/reading-for-pleasure-builds-empathy-andimproves-wellbeing-research-from-the-reading-agency-finds.html
2 Source: http://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1070032

Im not a college student; does this still apply to me?

Yes! It is proven that reading for pleasure increases the vocabulary in kids and adults
alike3. However, it is important to keep track of what you read, because certain works are
more beneficial than others. For instance, classic and contemporary fiction has proven to
increase vocabulary the most, while online reading (through websites and social media)
the least. This is because readers are able to learn about different ways to handle conflict
and how to see from various point of views from the characters and situations that present
themselves in novels. No matter the age of the reader, everyone can gain something from
reading for pleasure.
Would an increase in students reading for pleasure have any impact on the
community?
An increase in college students that read for pleasure would benefit multiple parts of the
community. Not only would local businesses (such as Hastings and Half Price Books)
thrive from an increase in business, but also Texas State University would see an increase
in both grades and attendance because of the reduced stress4. Overall social and mental
health is important to creating a productive and positive community, and with students
thriving there is a much higher chance that the community and its surrounding businesses
will thrive as well.
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Source: http://eds.a.ebscohost.com/eds/detail/detail?vid=1&sid=2f84a578-4cef-42ad-9c19d28f2f34b58c%40sessionmgr4003&hid=4105&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU
%3d#db=edsglr&AN=edsgcl.405924683

Source: http://college.usatoday.com/2013/08/29/opinion-dont-let-textbooks-stop-you-fromreading-for-pleasure/