The Digital World Connection and Reading Practices of College Students

Students’ connection to digital world is considered important to influence students reading practices and attitude. Contemporary challenges arise as technology reshapes reading practices. This digital immersion has led to a shift from traditional paper-based reading to electronic formats. Consequently, the practice of reading has transformed, impacting lifestyle and information consumption. Using descriptive causal research design employing quantitative approach, this study investigates how digital world connections influence college students’ reading practices, particularly as they transition from printed texts to digital technologies with access to a wealth of information. Using quota sampling technique, a total of 371 college students were selected to join the study by answering the self-made survey questionnaire which consists of two parts, the level of digital world connection and level of reading practices. Data gathered were interpreted by frequency count percentage and standard mean deviation while the relationships of the two variables were analysed using simple linear regression analysis. Results revealed the over-all mean score of 3.83 sums up the level of digital connection of the college students which indicates that the level of digital world connection of students in terms of digital literacy skills, use of digital resources for academics, social media use and online academic collaborations is in high level. On the other hand, the overall mean score of 3.77 indicates that the level of reading practices of college students in terms of reading frequency, diversity of reading resources, reading engagement and motivation, and access and utilization of learning resources is in high level also. Regression equation RP (Reading Practices) = βo + β1DWC (Digital World connection) + Є1 was tested using simple linear regression analysis, results from the ANOVA shows that the sig-value is .540 which is found to be higher than the .05 level of significance set for this study, which implies that digital world connection cannot influence reading practices of college students. Based on the findings of the study, it is recommended that academic librarians should implement strategies that would make digital resources effective motivators for students to improve reading practices, habits and attitude.