Individuals who read physical books in public may be perceived as more interesting and attractive, according to research commissioned by The Folio Society. The survey of 2,000 adults found that nearly half of British adults consider readers to be sexier.
The study suggests that opting for a physical book over a mobile phone could be a more appealing choice for singles. Luxury publisher The Folio Society polled adults to understand their perceptions of reading as a hobby.
Results indicated that reading is considered one of the most attractive hobbies. This aligns with current market data, which shows physical book sales reaching £1 billion so far this year. The survey also noted that approximately 40 percent of Gen Z individuals, aged 14-29, prioritize holding a physical book in the digital age, with many purchasing luxury editions from publishers like The Folio Society at an increasing rate.
Additional findings revealed that a third of young people view their book choices as an expression of their personality. Nearly two-thirds of Gen Z respondents believe the books a person owns are a more authentic reflection of their character than their social media profiles.
In response to evolving trends, Instagram has introduced a feature allowing users to share the titles of books they are reading. Tom Walker, Publishing Director at The Folio Society, commented on the findings, stating that people not only find reading attractive but also trust books as a form of communication more than other cultural signals. He noted that a bookshelf is accumulated over time, offering a genuine representation of character, unlike a constructed social media profile.