FROMBOOKS TO SCREENS: YOUNG ADULT READERS, DIGITAL READING, AND EMOTIONAL ENGAGEMENT WITH YA FICTION

The paper examines how digital reading influences the emotional engagement of young
adult readers with Young Adult (YA) fiction, with particular focus on reader empathy. YA fiction
is known for its portrayal of intense emotional experiences such as identity struggles, grief,
and personal growth, which often create strong emotional connections between readers and
characters. Traditionally, such engagement has been associated with immersive reading through
printed texts. In the digital age, however, reading increasingly takes place through screens,
including e-books and mobile devices. This shift has changed the way readers interact with texts,
making reading more accessible but also more fragmented and interactive. This study focuses on
how these digital reading environments shape the way young adult readers emotionally connect
with fictional characters. Drawing on Empathy Theory, the paper analyses how reader– character
relationships are formed and experienced in digital contexts. It explores whether digital reading
enhances, reduces, or transforms the depth of emotional engagement compared to traditional
reading practices. The study argues that while digital platforms provide new opportunities for
accessibility and interaction, they also influence the intensity and continuity of reader empathy.
By focusing on emotional engagement in digital reading, this research contributes to discussions
on how contemporary reading practices reshape the experience of literature.