Why Digital Reading Will Matter More Than Ever in 2025
I’m still not fully indoctrinated into the e-book revolution… yet. And you could call me old fashioned, but there’s something quintessential to picking a classic novel, and Jack Kerouac’s On the Road—displayed on my first clunky e-reader with its grayscale screen and slow page turns still feels foreign to me. I’d been a lifelong devotee of paper books, their smell, their weight, the quick lick of the thumb for turning pages. But here I am—in 2025–sitting on a train, from Brisbane to the Gold Coast with hundreds of books tucked into a device thinner than a magazine, completely lost in a Beatnik wonderland—despite the absence of paper.
The trip is changing something in me and, I’d say it’s changing something in all of us.
Digital reading has evolved from a convenient alternative to traditional books into something far more profound—a revolutionary force reshaping how we connect with stories and information. With global literacy rates now at 87%, the accessibility of e-books and digital platforms is democratising reading in ways that would have seemed like a Sci-Fi story only two decades ago.
While dog-eared paperbacks and leather-bound hardcovers still hold special places in our hearts (and on our shelves), digital reading tools now offer features that go beyond anything print books could ever dream of—pronunciation assistance for unfamiliar words, dyslexia-friendly fonts that adjust to your needs, and interactive elements that transform passive reading into whole new experience.
The COVID-19 pandemic only accelerated our collective shift toward digital. Remember those weeks when libraries and bookstores closed their doors, and Amazon deliveries hit record levels, all but crashing Australia Post? When teachers scrambled to provide reading materials to students learning from kitchen tables? When we all sought escape in stories but were unable peruse the bookstore shelves? Digital reading wasn’t just convenient then—it was essential.
And, while most research painfully reveals that individuals with limited reading abilities face significant disadvantages in employment, income, and even access to healthcare services, the evolution of digital reading matters more today than it ever has. It’s no longer about technology, but an opening of the doors which might otherwise remain closed.
In this deeply personal exploration, we’ll explore why the tired old digital reading vs. print reading arguments will soon become as obsolete as floppy disks (yes, I’m old enough to know what they are, and, in fact, I still own several). With the advantages digital reading offers, diverse learning leads us to the mind-bending possibilities of AR and VR in storytelling—this landscape is transforming before our eyes—and understanding these shifts matters for all of us who love words, however they’re experienced by our minds and hearts.
The rise of digital reading devices and platforms
My first e-reader seems prehistoric—much like its owner—compared to what fits in my pocket today. The journey of digital reading technology began earnestly in 1971 with Project Gutenberg, but it wasn’t until the mid-2000s that the foundations for our current reading revolution were established. The landscape has transformed quite dramatically since then—to a point where the next generation of readers can no longer understand how we survived school—or even life—without a smart device.
How e-readers and apps are evolving
E-readers have grown up. Far beyond simple text display devices, modern e-readers feature E Ink Carta 1300 technology that provides sharper contrast, instantaneous page turns, and reduced eye strain compared to traditional screens. This technology mimics the appearance of ink on paper so convincingly that I’ve caught myself trying to physically turn the page more than once.
I watched my dad—a voracious reader in his seventies with declining eyesight—rediscover his love of reading a Kindle. The only problem now is he’s constantly bugging the grandkids to load new books on his device, well, because he’s still playing catch up with most technology.
Today’s devices incorporate AI-powered features that would have seemed like science fiction mere years ago. Some e-readers now offer AI-based note summarisation, converting my messy handwritten notes into concise bullet points. The integration of social features means I can highlight a beautiful passage and instantly share it on my socials, making me look smarter and more culturally adept than I actually am.
But what truly sets modern digital reading apart is their personalisation. Current e-readers let me customise font size, style, background colour, and lighting—making reading more accessible multiple situations. These aren’t mere conveniences; they’re life-changing features for people with vision challenges or dyslexia. Which for me, as someone who has the attention span of a goldfish, concentrating word for word has become much easier for me—meaning that I can get much more reading done, in a shorter space of time.
The growing role of smartphones and tablets
Despite dedicated e-readers’ advantages, our phones and tablets have quietly become our primary reading devices. Over 85% of adults in the United States report reading more on their mobile devices than traditional print media. This shift makes perfect sense—our phones are always with us and now have more computing power than a NASA space launch in the 60’s & 70’s, turning those idle moments waiting for coffee or sitting on the bus into reading opportunities.
As one friend noted, when I queried them last year: I read mostly on my phone. It’s convenient because I always have my phone with me. I find myself opening Kindle instead of scrolling social media, and I’m reading a lot more than before.
This seamless integration of reading into the cracks of our busy lives might be digital’s greatest gift.
I’ve finished entire novels in the collective minutes spent waiting in airport departure lounges or my doctors’ waiting room—time that would have otherwise evaporated into frustrated sighing or mindless social media scrolling. My phone transforms those lost moments into reading opportunities.
Tablets offer a middle ground—larger screens than phones but still highly portable. The iPad Mini provides access to multiple library apps plus bright displays ideal for graphic-rich content. My comic-loving nephew switched from physical comic books to digital formats, and now his collection takes up zero physical space while giving him instant access to countless of issues of Demon Slayer.
Why digital reading is becoming the default
Several factors are driving digital reading’s mainstream adoption, and they go beyond mere convenience. First, there’s the undeniable price advantage—digital books are typically cheaper than their printed counterparts. When my book club selected a new hardcover release priced at $45, I silently thanked the digital gods for my $14.99 e-book version.
Moreover, subscription services have transformed how we consume books. Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited offers over three million ebooks for a monthly fee of $15.27, in Australia. As someone who can devour 1-2 books weekly, the math makes this a no-brainer.
Library integration has also accelerated adoption in beautiful ways. Apps like Libby connect to over 90% of public libraries globally, allowing readers to borrow ebooks instantly with just a library card. These books automatically return themselves when due, eliminating late fees—a feature that has saved me countless dollars and guilt trips to the library circulation desk.
Finally, the environmental impact cannot be overlooked. E-readers can store thousands of books in the physical space of a single conventional book, significantly reducing paper usage. After my last move, when I lugged box after heavy box of books down a flight of stairs—squashing my ankle in the process—the environmental benefits of digital reading became personal very quickly. Some manufacturers like Kobo have even partnered with iFixit to make their devices repairable, extending product lifespans and keeping e-readers out of landfills.
Key advantages of digital reading in 2025
By 2026, the advantages of digital reading will extend far beyond mere convenience, transforming how we absorb and interact with information. As digital platforms mature, they’re creating unprecedented opportunities for diverse learning styles, personalised experiences, and environmental sustainability—advantages I’ve already begun to see in my own reading life.
Accessibility for diverse learning needs
Digital reading tools have become essential for creating inclusive learning environments. For individuals with disabilities, these technologies offer crucial accommodations that make content accessible to everyone. Modern reading apps support screen readers, text-to-speech conversion, and even braille output to compatible devices. They allow users to read with their fingers, eyes, or ears—depending on their needs.
I met a lady, named Sarah at a writers’ festival last year. Born with a progressive visual impairment, she had been told as a teenager that her reading days were numbered.
They were wrong, she told me, smiling as she adjusted her headphones. I’ve read more books in the past five years than in the past twenty, thanks to audiobooks and screen readers. Technology gave me back my ability to enjoy stories again.
Many countries have implemented laws requiring digital accessibility, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States. Consequently, publishers and educational institutions are prioritising accessible digital content that follows standards like WCAG 2.2.
For students with varied learning needs, digital reading provides:
Adjustable font sizes, styles, and background colours
Proper heading structures for easier navigation
Clear, descriptive link text and image descriptions
Consistent layouts that help users orient themselves
My friend’s daughter, diagnosed with ADHD, struggled with traditional textbooks until she discovered digital versions that let her highlight, annotate, and search—features that help her stay engaged with content that might otherwise cause her to become easily distracted.
Personalised reading experiences with AI
AI is not a dirty word, in my opinion at least, and the most remarkable advancement in digital reading is personalisation through artificial intelligence. Project Read AI, for instance, combines research-based methods with innovative AI to deliver instruction tailored to individual learners. This technology automatically adapts to student needs while following curriculum guidelines.
I saw this transformation firsthand when my neighbour's son, who had been struggling with reading comprehension, began using an AI-powered reading app. The program showed his specific challenges with inferential thinking and gradually adjusted its questions and prompts to strengthen exactly where he needed help. Within months, his confidence soared, and so did his reading and comprehension.
Story generation platforms also create content specifically designed for children with neurodivergent needs, including those with autism, dyslexia, or ADHD. These tools adjust text to address unique learning requirements, ensuring all children can enjoy and benefit equally from reading experiences.
In educational settings, AI-powered tools track mastery of skills for each student, providing teachers with actionable insights to support every learner effectively. This personalisation extends to content creation as well—students can generate educational materials about topics they’re passionate about, increasing engagement and ownership of their learning journey.
Eco-friendly and space-saving benefits
Digital reading reduces environmental impact. Traditional book production requires approximately 3 million trees annually for the 2.2 million books published each year. E-books eliminate paper printing entirely, reducing carbon footprints associated with raw material transportation, production processes, and shipping.
After downsizing from a house to an apartment several years ago, I faced hard choices about my beloved book collection. Physical constraints forced me to place many of books into storage. Now, my digital library has countless titles—including many of those I stuffed away in storage boxes—all stored on a device that weighs less than a single hardcover and takes up less space than a thin magazine.
Additionally, e-books typically cost less than their printed counterparts, making them both economically and environmentally helpful. By choosing digital over print, readers actively contribute to resource conservation and environmental stewardship—a small choice that collectively makes a significant difference.
How digital reading tools are transforming education
Education is seeing a remarkable shift as digital reading tools redefine how students learn and engage with information. These technologies go beyond simply digitising text—they create entirely new learning experiences that I wish had existed when I was struggling through dense history textbooks in high school.
Interactive learning through AR and VR
Extended reality technologies are transforming how students interact with reading materials. Virtual and augmented reality create immersive environments where learners can experience 3D, multimodal texts rather than just read them. Research shows VR enhances reading comprehension through immersion, enabling students to retain information more effectively.
My friend's daughter’s history class recently visited Ancient Rome through VR headsets. Instead of just reading about the Forum or Colosseum, students walked through virtual reconstructions, seeing architectural details and daily life. And yes, while that is technically not reading, there is text involved, creating an experience which brought the text to life in ways traditional reading never could.
AR overlays virtual objects onto real environments, allowing students to manipulate text elements through haptic interactions.
According to educators: Without exception, VR can be used in every subject throughout the school.
These technologies particularly help with history and literature, where students can step into settings like Ancient Rome or Dickensian London, experiencing the contexts they’re reading about firsthand, so long as they’re wary of the Artful Dodger...
When my nephew’s class studied A Christmas Carol, in his final year they used AR technology to see Victorian London materialise around them as they read, complete with period-accurate clothing, architecture, and street sounds. The ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future became more than words on a page—they became memorable experiences that deepened comprehension and emotional connection to the text.
Gamified reading apps for early literacy
Currently, gamified platforms are revolutionising early reading instruction. Apps like Bookroo encourage independent reading digital challenges and rewards, effectively tracking comprehension through built-in quizzes. Others, such as SpoonRead, present text in ‘spoonfuls’ followed by comprehension questions that earn points, turning reading into a game children genuinely enjoy.
The Prodigy game allows students in grades 1-6 to gain ‘energy’ by answering skill-based questions, which they can use to gather materials and craft decorations. This gamification approach has proven highly effective. Research on one app showed a 28% improvement in literacy scores after just nine weeks of use. These aren’t just games; they’re sophisticated learning tools disguised as fun—just don’t tell the kids...
AI-driven feedback and adaptive learning paths
Artificial intelligence now creates personalised learning experiences tailored to individual needs. These systems:
Analyse student performance and adjust content difficulty in real-time
Monitor learning quality to ensure balanced development across different knowledge areas
Provide immediate feedback that helps students self-correct
M-Powering Teachers, a Stanford-developed AI tool, analyses classroom transcripts to provide feedback on teaching practices, resulting in better student learning outcomes. As one educator noted: EdTech is at its best when it’s augmenting and reinforcing an educator’s lesson. This effectively extends the teacher’s reach while allowing students to learn at their own pace.
The future of storytelling and immersive reading
Storytelling is undergoing a profound transformation as digital reading evolves beyond passive consumption into truly immersive experiences. The boundaries between reader and author are blurring, creating entirely new narrative possibilities that were unimaginable just a few years ago—possibilities that have already begun to change my own relationship with reading.
Virtual reality books and 3D narratives
Virtual reality is redefining what it means to read a story. Instead of seeing from a distance, VR places readers directly inside narratives, creating what experts call: coded stories. I at once thought about the Schwarzenegger movie: Total Recall when I first learned about this, but it’s a simple social design that positions the audience at the centre of the storytelling experience. These immersive environments allow readers to interact with stories as they unfold in real time, transforming the traditionally passive act of reading into an active, participatory process that’s entirely safe—unlike the movie.
Last month, I experienced my first VR novel—a mystery set in 1920s Paris. Rather than simply reading about the protagonist’s discovery of a hidden door behind a bookcase, I physically reached out and pulled the secret latch myself, feeling the resistance and hearing the ancient hinges creak as the passage revealed itself. My heart raced with genuine anticipation as I stepped into the unknown. The boundary between myself and the character dissolved in that moment—we were the same, both discovering the secret together.
Interestingly, the focus isn’t simply on technology. As John Bucher, pioneer in VR storytelling, emphasises in his work with industry leaders at LucasFilm, 20th Century Fox, and Oculus, success lies in how narratives are structured within these virtual spaces. The principles of classic storytelling are being applied, transformed, and transcended in VR environments.
Recent award-winning platforms like Booxtory highlight this evolution, earning recognition at CES 2025 for its AI-powered immersive reading technology. These aren’t gimmicks; they’re the evolution of storytelling itself—adding dimensions to narrative that weren’t possible before.
Interactive fiction and reader-driven plots
Beyond VR, interactive fiction is flourishing through formats that grant readers unprecedented agency. Unlike traditional narratives with fixed plots, reader-driven storytelling offers:
Non-linear, unstructured paths that readers navigate at their own pace
Modular information units supporting flexible ordering and exploration
Multiple perspective accommodation, allowing diverse interpretations
As a result, readers can discover patterns, connections, and meanings the original author might never have conceived. Dr. Leigh A. Hall’s research shows how interactive fiction apps help people with negative reading experiences rediscover reading enjoyment, creating new pathways to literacy for those who’ve struggled with traditional formats.
Currently, tools like Twine enable anyone to create interactive nonlinear stories without coding knowledge. These platforms publish directly to HTML, democratising storytelling by transforming everyday users into creators.
We’re seeing what Forbes describes as a fundamental shift in media consumption, where we are all authors, editors, producers, photographers, visual designers, writers, and publishers. This democratisation of storytelling, coupled with immersive technologies, is creating a future where the line between author and audience continuously fades, making digital reading a fundamentally collaborative and immersive art form.
Conclusion
Digital reading stands at the threshold of a transformative era as we approach 2026. Throughout this personal exploration, we’ve seen how e-readers, smartphones, and tablets have evolved from plain text display devices to sophisticated platforms offering personalised experiences that print simply cannot match. Though traditional books will always hold cultural value—I still treasure my dog-eared, annotated copy of my favorite novel—digital formats now deliver unparalleled accessibility for diverse learning needs while significantly reducing environmental impact.
The educational landscape will change dramatically as AR and VR technologies create immersive learning environments where students don’t merely read about Ancient Rome—they experience it firsthand. Gamified reading applications already show remarkable results, with some programs showing a 28% improvement in literacy scores after brief implementation periods.
Undoubtedly, the most exciting developments lie in storytelling itself. Reader-driven plots and interactive fiction transform passive consumption into active participation, democratising narrative creation. This shift represents far more than technological advancement—it fundamentally changes our relationship with text, making reading more inclusive, engaging, and effective for everyone.
The future belongs not simply to digital reading but to adaptive, personalised experiences that respond to individual needs. Technology will continue removing barriers to literacy while creating richer, more meaningful connections between readers and content. Digital reading in 2025 won’t just supplement traditional reading—it will redefine what it means to read altogether.
I keep a shelf of beloved paper books in my home—touchstones of my reading journey that I can’t bear to part with. But beside that shelf sits my e-reader, holding thousands more stories waiting to be discovered, a portal to worlds beyond imagination. Both formats now coexist in my heart as they do in my home. The question isn’t whether digital or print will win some imaginary contest—it’s how digital tools can make the timeless joy of reading accessible to more people in more ways than ever before.