Mobile phones and reading for enjoyment: evidence of use and behaviour change

Authors

  • Colin Tredoux University of Cape Town
  • Johann Louw University of Cape Town
  • Joha Louw-Potgieter University of Cape Town

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15353/joci.v12i1.3244

Abstract

A South African non-profit organisation, FunDza, launched a programme that delivers reading material via mobile phones. Computer log files of user activity over an eight-month period were analysed (N = 9,212,716), which showed that relatively large numbers of readers made use of the material (N = 65,533), and read a substantial amount of the material. We found evidence of positive shifts in reading behaviour. Further analysis showed that greater levels of participation in the programme were associated with greater enjoyment of reading. Furthermore, the longer participants read, the more confident they felt about their self-rated reading proficiency

Author Biographies

Colin Tredoux, University of Cape Town

Colin Tredoux is a professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Cape Town, South Africa.

Johann Louw, University of Cape Town

Johann Louw is a professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Cape Town, South Africa.

Joha Louw-Potgieter, University of Cape Town

Joha Louw-Potgieter is a professor in the School of Management Studies at the University of Cape Town, South Africa.

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Published

2016-02-14

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 1 (2016)

Section

Research Articles