Reading Practices of Generation Z in Slovenia: Between Physical Spaces and Digital Platforms

Abstract

Namen: Namen prispevka je raziskati, kako se bralne prakse generacije Z v Sloveniji  oblikujejo na presečišču fizičnih prostorov, kot so knjižnice in knjigarne, ter digital­nih platform, kot so družbena omrežja in bralne aplikacije. Prispevek analizira, kako ti različni prostori vplivajo na bralne izbire, navade ter oblikovanje bralne identitete mladih bralcev. Metodologija/pristop: Raziskava temelji na spletni anketi, izvedeni med marcem in ma­jem 2025, med študenti družboslovja in humanistike v Sloveniji, starimi od 18 do 25 let. Vprašalnik je vseboval zaprta in odprta vprašanja. Analiza se osredotoča na uporabo knjižnic in knjigarn ter vpliv digitalnih platform in družbenih omrežij na bralne izbire. Podatki so bili analizirani z deskriptivnimi statističnimi metodami. Rezultati: Rezultati kažejo, da študenti družboslovnih in humanističnih smeri genera­cije Z knjižnice večinoma uporabljajo za študij, knjigarne pa obiskujejo zaradi estetske izkušnje in brskanja brez namena nakupa. Vpliv digitalnih platform in omrežij na bral­ne izbire je prisoten, vendar manjši od pričakovanj; odločilna so priporočila iz osebne­ga kroga. Presenetljivo nizka je tudi uporaba specializiranih bralnih aplikacij. Omejitve raziskave: Vzorec je omejen na študente določenih študijskih področij, brez vključitve širše mladinske populacije. Raziskava bo v nadaljevanju dopolnjena s pol­strukturiranimi intervjuji. Izvirnost/uporabnost raziskave: Članek osvetljuje vlogo knjižnic in knjigarn v digital­ni dobi ter ponuja vpogled v bralne navade generacije Z, ki združuje tradicionalne in nove medije v oblikovanju lastne bralne identitete.Purpose: The aim of this paper is to explore how the reading practices of Generation Z in Slovenia are shaped at the intersection of physical spaces—such as libraries and bookstores—and digital platforms, including social media and reading applications. The paper analyzes how these diverse environments influence reading choices, habits, and the formation of reading identity among young readers. Methodology/approach: The research is based on an online survey conducted between March and May 2025 among social sciences and humanities students in Slovenia, aged 18 to 25. The questionnaire included both closed and open-ended questions. The anal­ysis focuses on the use of libraries and bookstores, as well as the influence of digital platforms and social media on reading choices. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Results: The results show that Generation Z students in the social sciences and hu­manities primarily use libraries for study purposes, while they visit bookstores for the aesthetic experience and browsing without the intention to purchase. The influence of digital platforms and social media on reading choices is present but smaller than ex­pected; personal recommendations remain the key factor. The use of specialized read­ing apps is also surprisingly low. Research limitation: The sample is limited to students in specific academic fields and does not represent the entire Generation Z population. Future research will include qualitative interviews. Originality/practical implications: The article contributes to understanding how physi­cal and digital spaces co-shape contemporary reading practices and identities among young adults in the context of cultural and technological change