READING HABITS AND ATTITUDE IN THE DIGITAL AGE: A SPECIAL REFERENCE TO SELECTED UNIVERSITIES OF RAYALASEEMA REGION, ANDHRA PRADESH: INDIA
Keywords:
Digital Reading, Reading Habits, E-Resources, Higher Education, Social Media, Mobile Learning, Rayalaseema Universities, Digital LiteracyAbstract
The digital age has significantly transformed the reading behaviour and information consumption patterns of academic communities. This study investigates the reading habits and attitudes of students in selected universities of the Rayalaseema region, Andhra Pradesh, in the context of digital resources. A total of 782 respondents participated in the survey, which included variables such as gender, area of residence, academic course, device usage, preference for digital resources, opinions on digital reading, and social media engagement.
The findings reveal that mobile phones are the most preferred device for digital reading, with over 90% of users relying on them. A large portion of the respondents (61.51%) came from rural areas, and Arts students formed the majority. Among digital resources, e-books, e-journals, and e-newspapers were the most commonly accessed. Social media platforms like WhatsApp were also heavily used for academic reading purposes. Despite the popularity of digital content, a significant proportion of respondents (48.08%) still strongly preferred printed materials for better understanding and retention.
The study concludes that while digital resources have become essential for academic work, users value a balanced approach that incorporates both print and digital formats. It suggests improving digital infrastructure, enhancing awareness of open-access resources, and promoting digital literacy among students and staff, particularly in rural institutions.
