What is effective digital reading? A systematic review of the effectiveness factors of digital reading

Abstract

Purpose

The rapid development of digital reading has made it a mainstream reading method for the public, and scholars have conducted research on its effectiveness.The purpose of this study is to systematically summarize and generalize the factors that affect the effectiveness of digital reading in current practical research.

Design/methodology/approach

Retrieved the search results from the Web of Science database and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure database, collected the relevant literature in both Chinese and English on the effectiveness of digital reading, qualitatively coded the relevant literature, and conducted a systematic literature review analysis on the factors affecting the effectiveness of digital reading.

Findings

There are 37 factors that influence the effectiveness of digital reading, forming five factor themes, namely, the reading subject, reading environment, organizational support, technical support and reading text. The five influencing factor themes are further divided into three types of functional mechanisms, namely, driving, supportive and assurance mechanisms. Based on this, a research framework is proposed, providing a comprehensive approach for the research positioning of digital reading effectiveness.

Originality/value

A research framework is proposed, providing a comprehensive approach for the research positioning of digital reading effectiveness.

Citation

Liu, J., Wang, Y. and Chang, L. (2025), "What is effective digital reading? A systematic review of the effectiveness factors of digital reading", The Electronic Library, Vol. 43 No. 1, pp. 77-96. https://doi.org/10.1108/EL-01-2024-0002