Reading Rebounds in Mexico: Youth Lead the Charge, Challenging Declining Trends
Table of Contents
Despite concerns about dwindling readership, a new survey reveals a surprising resurgence in reading across Mexico, particularly among young people. Eight out of ten Mexicans over the age of 12 report having read some form of material – be it books, blogs, or comics – in the last year, with youth demonstrating the highest engagement rates.
A Shift in the Narrative
Recent data challenges the notion of a widespread decline in reading, a concern voiced by officials like Paco Ignacio Taibo, head of the Economic Culture Fund. The findings, presented by Mexico’s national statistics agency, Inegi, show that 2025 marks the first year with an increase in book readers since 2021. While reading rates peaked in 2015, with 48.5% of the population actively reading, 45.4% now report feeling connected to reading.
Young Mexicans Embrace Literacy
The most significant trend is the enthusiastic engagement of younger demographics. Nearly 90% of individuals aged 12 to 24 regularly consume written material, significantly outpacing the 66.8% of those over 60 who do the same. This surge in youth readership is particularly noteworthy, suggesting a potential reversal of long-term trends.
Broadening the Definition of “Reading”
Abril G. Karera, a reading mediator and director of the civil association LibrosB4Tipos, celebrates the survey’s inclusive approach to defining reading. “This survey proposes other types of reading as valid materials,” Karera stated, “allowing more people to identify as part of the reading community.” This expanded definition includes online content, comics, and even social media posts – formats increasingly popular among younger generations. The survey is also the first to specifically consult adolescents between 12 and 17, and to account for their reading habits on social networks.
Books Remain King, But Diversity Reigns
While books remain the dominant choice – favored by 79% of readers – the survey highlights a growing diversity in reading habits. Seven out of ten individuals consume more than one type of material, with those aged 25 to 39 demonstrating the widest range, engaging with four to five different formats.
Younger readers (12-24) show a preference for literature, with over 50% choosing novels and other literary works, followed by materials related to their studies or professions. Those over 40 lean towards self-help, personal improvement, and religious texts. Titles like Viktor Frankl’s The Man in Search of Meaning, James Clear’s Atomic Habits, and Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library are currently topping Amazon Mexico’s best-seller lists.
The Rise of Digital and Alternative Formats
The survey also reveals a resurgence in other forms of media. Magazine readership has climbed to 23.6% of the adult population, while newspaper readership has rebounded after a steady decline since 2017, now reaching 20% of the population. Notably, over half of newspaper readers access news in digital format, often downloading it for free.
Furthermore, the popularity of comics and manga is on the rise, with 40% of young people between 12 and 24 engaging with this medium. The manga Chain Saw Man by Tatsuki Fujimoto is a current favorite among readers. The growth of “fan fiction” published directly on platforms like Facebook and X is also gaining traction, with over 90% of individuals aged 12 to 39 reporting reading content on social networks.
The Home as a Literary Foundation
The roots of reading habits are often established early in life. According to the survey, 64.4% of readers were first inspired to read at home, through access to books and the example set by their parents. This underscores the importance of fostering a reading-rich environment from a young age.
The data suggests a complex and evolving landscape of reading in Mexico, one that defies simple narratives of decline and embraces a broader, more inclusive definition of literacy.
