If you’re still adamantly holding the belief that e-books are just a passing fad and that people will eventually go back to reading actual books, then it’s time to rethink that position.
According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, e-books and e-readers are not just a passing fancy, e-books are gaining traction among consumers.
The results of the Pew Research Center study showed that one in five Americans have read an e-book. The study also showed that people who own e-readers have read more books compared to people who do not own an e-reader. Owners of e-readers are also more likely to buy the things they read instead of just borrowing it.
The results of the study gave a strong confirmation that the sales of Amazon’s Kindle and Barnes & Noble’s Nook reader significantly increased during the holiday season last year.
The study involved 3,000 Americans between the ages of 16 and older. The study was conducted over a period of four months, beginning November last year. The results showed that the ownership of e-readers increased from 10 percent last December of 2011 to 19 percent by January. The study also revealed that owners of e-readers read about 24 books every year. Contrast with just 15 books a year for those who do not own an e-reader. Also, about 41 percent of tablet owners and 35 percent of e-reader owners said they have begun to read more after getting their device.
And if there are still people who have doubts about the growing popularity of e-books, the study showed that four times more people are now using e-books for reading purposes compared to two years ago.
Originally posted on April 5, 2012 @ 8:14 pm