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Do Audiobooks Count as Reading?
8 Mar
Summary
- Audiobook listening rose 167% since 2016, now at 8% daily.
- Over 40% of Americans believe audiobooks aren't true reading.
- Brain activity shows differences between listening and reading.
The percentage of Americans listening to audiobooks daily has surged by 167% since 2016, reaching 8% as of 2025. This significant rise has fueled a debate about whether listening to audiobooks constitutes genuine reading. Traditionalists maintain that reading requires the visual engagement of print, with over 40% of Americans sharing this view, according to a 2025 poll.
Proponents argue that audiobooks offer an accessible way to enjoy storytelling. Cognitive neuroscientists from Harvard Graduate School of Education note that while listening to audiobooks activates language comprehension centers, it doesn't engage the same brain areas as processing print. Literacy experts acknowledge similar comprehension activation but caution against equating the two experiences, highlighting the importance of decoding skills for early readers.
Experts suggest the focus should shift from 'counting' audiobooks as reading to understanding their impact on cognition. While listening may be ideal for storytelling and basic information, print offers advantages for complex material and developing foundational literacy skills. Ultimately, the choice depends on individual goals and circumstances.
