Books: Will we ever stop using physical books?

October 29, 2025 7:41am CST
I did a quick online search on stats about whether or not we will ever stop using physical books. I was astonished by the answers. To summarize, it turns out that by 2050, 90%+ of reading will be digital for efficiency. But the last 10%—driven by nostalgia, craftsmanship, and human stubbornness—will sustain a vibrant physical ecosystem. They are saying, for example, just as horse carriages still exist for weddings, physical books will endure for those who value the artifact over the information. I can’t believe that physical book reading will devolve into this mere 10% of all reading experiences. What do you think?
6 people like this
6 responses
Amber
@AmbiePam (105274)
• United States
29 Oct
I hope that is an incorrect forecast, but I can see how that would happen. It’s so much cheaper! But I do love a wonderful cover, and holding a book in my hand.
1 person likes this
Anna
@LadyDuck (486143)
• Italy
29 Oct
It was the same with vinyls, then they became popular again when producers realized how many people still asked for vinyls. They also wanted to stop movies on DVDs and it did not happen.
1 person likes this
Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (50242)
•
13h
I prefer a real book. Maybe I am old fashioned, but that's my preference.
youless
@youless (113839)
• Guangzhou, China
14h
I hope the physical books won't disappear in the future. I think they are still good for children. They need to read. When they use digital device to read, probably they will do something else instead
May2k8
@May2k8 (19096)
• Indonesia
13h
It seems like physical books will still be used, I prefer reading them on paper.
OceanTiara
@RebeccasFarm (90734)
• Arvada, Colorado
29 Oct
Books are wonderful and precious.. I am not sure if people will ever give them up.
Anna
@LadyDuck (486143)
• Italy
29 Oct
I think it's a fake news, here in Europe 90% of books sold during year 2025 is still PAPER books. I thought to buy a Kindle, but finally decided that I still prefer paper books.