Study overview

Loh (2024) adopted a case study on 12 Singaporean students (aged 14 and 15) and used a mobile ethnography approach to examine contemporary print and new media (fiction) leisure reading habits among adolescents. Mobile ethnography leverages smartphones as tools for adolescent participants, positioning them as co-investigators in documenting and recording their own reading activities. Loh used this method to capture the actual, real-time reading practices of adolescents as they occurred in their everyday lives, both in and out of school. The data collection process spanned four days, encompassing two weekdays and two weekend days. During this period, the students used an interactive mobile ethnography app on their smartphones to document their reading activities by taking images or videos of their reading experiences in print and on digital devices (laptop and smartphone) over the four days.

Findings

The study found that adolescents are more likely to engage in reading when they anticipate an immersive and entertaining experience. According to Loh (2024), three key factors contribute to this immersive experience: compelling stories, cross-platform interaction, and ease of technological access. The study found adolescents are drawn to narratives with engaging plots and relatable characters, which keep them invested in the story. Beyond simply reading, many young readers interact with narratives across various media platforms. For example, they often read books after watching movie adaptations or engage with manga after being introduced to anime. This cross-platform engagement strengthens their connection to stories and enhances their overall reading pleasure. Additionally, adolescents’ reading activities are shaped by social and technological infrastructures that support their access to fiction. The study highlights that digital platforms, such as the National Library Board app and Wattpad, play a significant role in encouraging reading by offering free, searchable, and continuously updated content, personalized recommendations, and community interactions. Adolescents value the convenience of digital tools, which provide immediate access to a wide range of content while fostering a sense of connection with fellow readers.

Generally, adolescents engage in reading when they encounter compelling stories, can interact with narratives across different media, and have seamless access to reading materials through digital platforms.