Decline in Reading Culture Among University Students: A Case Study of Bahria University

Abstract

This study investigates the precipitous decline in the reading culture of university students, with a particular emphasis on Bahria University. The study examines the current reading patterns, the impact of digital technologies, and the broader socio-cultural, economic, and educational factors that contribute to low reading engagement by utilizing qualitative data from 17 purposively selected students. Key patterns were identified through thematic analysis, such as academic fatigue, digital distraction, a lack of institutional support for leisure reading, and a transition to surface-level content consumption. The research also identifies practical interventions to revitalize the reading culture, including the incorporation of reading-focused programs, university-supported book clubs, and awareness campaigns on mindful media usage. The results underscore the pressing necessity for an urgent effort to reestablish reading as a fundamental intellectual and personal development aid for young people through collective academic and cultural endeavors.