Why Don’t Jamaicans Like to Read? Let’s Talk About It

By Shop Sales JA

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Reading Isn’t Dead—But It’s Definitely on Life Support

Every Jamaican has heard it before: “People just don’t read anymore.” But is that true? Is it that we don’t like to read—or is there something deeper going on? This blog post isn’t about shaming anyone or making broad generalizations. It’s about asking real questions, sparking conversation, and looking into the culture, economy, and digital landscape that influence how we consume information in Jamaica.

Personal Observation: Is Reading Becoming a Niche Activity?

Let’s be real: most of us are more likely to watch a TikTok or scroll through a meme than read a full article. As someone running an online store and blogging in Jamaica, I’ve noticed something troubling—posts with catchy images or short, punchy captions often outperform in-depth articles or written explanations. Even product descriptions are skipped unless they’re short and to the point.

When I mention “reading,” I don’t mean textbooks—I’m talking about casual reading: blogs, articles, books, long captions, even well-thought-out comments. Somehow, those seem to be losing ground.

Do Jamaicans Actually Read Less? The Data

• Literacy Rates: According to STATIN Jamaica, the country’s adult literacy rate hovers around 88%—a decent figure. However, functional literacy (the ability to use reading in everyday tasks) may be lower.
• Book Sales & Library Usage: Local bookstores have reported steady declines in book sales, and libraries across the island report lower foot traffic, especially among youth.
• Digital Preferences: A 2023 report from the Office of Utilities Regulation shows the average Jamaican spends over 7 hours daily online—mostly on social media and video platforms.

Why Might Reading Be Less Popular in Jamaica?

1. The Rise of Digital & Visual Media

Let’s face it—our eyes are glued to screens. Short-form videos, voice notes, memes, and music dominate how we absorb information. YouTube and TikTok are easier to consume than a long article or book.

2. Access to Books & Content

Books aren’t cheap in Jamaica. Imported titles are expensive, local publishing is underfunded, and our libraries often lack modern, engaging material. When reading materials aren’t affordable or relatable, interest naturally declines.

3. The Education System’s Role

Many Jamaicans associate reading with school stress—exam prep, boring textbooks, punishment even. That connection kills any joy that reading could bring. How can we expect a love for books when reading feels like a chore?

4. Oral Tradition Runs Deep

Jamaica has a powerful oral tradition—our culture is built on storytelling, music, spoken word, and performance. Reading is just one form of knowledge-sharing, and in our history, it hasn’t always been the most dominant one.

5. Reading Just Isn’t “Cool”

In a culture where quick wit, street smarts, and vibes are king, reading doesn’t always have the best PR. You won’t often hear teens saying, “Mi love read yuh nuh!” unless they’re outliers. Reading still carries a stereotype of being “uptown” or out of touch.

What’s the Way Forward?

• Promote engaging, Jamaican-authored stories.
• Subsidize reading material through local programs.
• Use social media to make reading trendy (Instagram book clubs, TikTok reviews).
• Encourage parents and schools to introduce books outside of exams and syllabuses.

Let’s Talk About It

Do you think Jamaicans really don’t like to read? Or is it that the system and society have made reading feel irrelevant? Is digital culture helping or hurting? I want to hear from you.

Drop your thoughts in the comments below. Whether you read every day or haven’t picked up a book in years—your opinion matters. Let’s start a real conversation about literacy, culture, and the future of reading in Jamaica.

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Brought to you by Shop Sales JA – where Jamaicans shop smart and save big.