Reading on Paper and on Screen of Teenagers: A Pilot Study of Two Schools in Colombo District, Sri Lanka

Abstract

With the development of computers, mobile phones and other digital devices with the internet, reading on screen has become an everyday activity as well as reading on paper. It is understandable that the task of reading has become more complicated with reading on screen. Therefore, the society is concerned about Reading on Paper and on Screen, especially of children and teenagers. The aim of the study is to gain an understanding of the nature of reading habits of teenagers in Colombo District, Sri Lanka. Main objectives of the study are to investigate the nature and extent of reading habits of teenagers, to find out the medium that the teenagers prefer when reading and to find out the attitudes of teenagers towards reading paper and screen. Both groups use e-media as well as read books. Though the majority prefer Paper as the medium of reading, they use the Screen medium too. Since the teenagers are much used to screen, we can use it to improve reading.