Reading Decline in Bulgaria: A 15-20% Drop in Print Reading Over Five Years

A new study on reading habits in Bulgaria reveals a significant decline in print material consumption over the past five years, with a decrease of 15% to 20%. The research, led by cultural historian and literary scholar Alexander Kiossev, was presented on Monday at Sofia University, CE Report quotes BTA

Kiossev, who spearheaded the interdisciplinary study involving sociologists, educators, and cultural experts, explained that while print reading is in decline, digital reading has grown by 10% over the same period. Digital reading, however, is described as more fragmented, with users engaging in multiple activities like chatting, shopping, and surfing the web, which detracts from focused, in-depth reading.

The study also highlights that over 30% of the Bulgarian population does not read, with marginalized groups, such as Bulgarian Roma and Bulgarian Turks, facing higher non-reading rates. The research stresses that elderly people, small-town residents, and youth also show lower reading engagement across all mediums.

In response to the findings, Kiossev suggests that Bulgaria's literature education system should move away from a strictly patriotic framework. He argues that the mandatory inclusion of traditional texts has led many young readers to feel alienated, rather than inspired, by their national literature.