Digital Reading and Comprehension Experiences: A Focus on New Narratives and User Experience

This study investigates the impact of digital formats on reader comprehension within modern literature, specifically focusing on the influence of multimedia components and non-linear narrative structures. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research analyzes a corpus of digital texts, including interactive fiction and enhanced e-books, to examine how hypertextual linkages, embedded media, and interactive elements affect reader interpretation. Cognitive functions, such as critical thinking, information processing, and attention span, are explored in relation to reader agency in navigating non-linear narratives and constructing meaning. Furthermore, semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants to explore their subjective experiences and comprehension processes. Thematic analysis of the interview transcripts, alongside a quantitative analysis of reader interaction data from the digital texts, provides a comprehensive understanding of the cognitive and experiential dimensions of digital reading. This research aims to delineate the potential advantages and challenges of digital reading, offering evidence-based recommendations for educators and designers to optimize the creation and utilization of digital texts for effective instruction.