Baby Boomers or Millennials: Which Generation Prefers Kindle?

In a surprising turn of events, it appears that the baby boomers demonstrate a greater preference for Kindle devices than millennials.

An article published in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) sheds light on this intriguing trend, and many young people readers can identify with the observations made by the author, Perri Ormont Blumberg, responsible for the Publication.

Older generations are modernizing

While the image of parents and grandparents enjoying a good book on a cozy sofa may seem timeless, it seems that technology has won the hearts of older generations.

The author attests to this phenomenon, noting that their parents and grandparents are more curious and enthusiastic about learning to use devices than people of other age groups.

An anecdote that highlights this tendency is the experience of the author's father, an avid reader with his own physical library. In 2015, he looked up information about the Kindle and e-readers, which led him to the thoughtful gift of a Kindle Paperwhite for his 66th birthday.

To this day, this gentleman continues to make profound use of the device, sparking interest among his friends, who have followed suit and purchased their own. kindles.

Interestingly, such a preference for the Kindle among Baby Boomers is nothing new. A 2011 study by Affinity's American Magazine Study revealed that this generation were the top users of e-readers. They were found to be 19% more likely to purchase devices like Nook or Kindle compared to Millennials.

(Source: Disclosure)

Millennials and Generation Z

So why the millennialsand even Gen Z don't embrace Kindle and e-readers? A 2019 Nielsen report sheds light on their preference for print books, indicating that “digital native” generations enjoy the sensations of holding a book, feel the texture of its pages and even the characteristic smell that accompanies the materials printed.

For younger readers, physical works provide a form of digital detox, offering a break from constant screen exposure. Additionally, a sense of nostalgia and connection to childhood plays a role in Millennials' love of print books.

The scent of ancient pages and the sound of them turning evoke memories of cozy corners and peaceful afternoons, immersed in the magic of storytelling. Such sentiments resonate with many young readers who treasure their print collections as cherished companions.