Print Vs. Digital: Reading Preferences Among English Majors

This study investigated English majors' reading format preferences, focusing on the distinction between print and digital texts across academic and recreational reading contexts. Using a descriptive survey design, the researchers collected data from 30 undergraduate English majors (21 first-year and 9 third-year students) through a researcher-made questionnaire assessing demographic profiles, format preferences, and the reasons behind those preferences. Results revealed a clear bifurcation: students strongly preferred print for academic reading (14 strongly prefer print) while overwhelmingly preferring digital for pleasure reading (19 strongly prefer digital). However, granular analysis showed that preferences are highly context-dependent—peer-reviewed journal articles were read mostly digitally (22 respondents), while fiction was read mostly in print (12 respondents). Students cited better retention and annotation as key advantages of print, while convenience, searchability, and cost were cited as advantages of digital. The findings suggest that English majors employ strategic format-switching based on reading purpose, and that neither print nor digital is universally preferred. The study discusses implications for pedagogy, library acquisitions, and digital literacy instruction.