Reading books is beneficial for brain development, but fiction has unique additional advantages. Reading in general—whether newspapers, magazines, or popular science books—is associated with slowing cognitive decline in older adults and increasing life expectancy.
However, studies show that the amount of fiction read may be a better predictor of language abilities than non-fiction. Furthermore, it has been found that fiction is linked to improved social cognition—the ability to understand and interact with other people—as well as a deeper understanding of the world as a complex phenomenon.
The reason for this lies in the fact that fictional works force the reader to imagine the world and the characters in the story. They prompt people to consider different points of view, allowing them to mentally adopt others' positions, as noted by Nick Battrick, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Raymond Marr, a professor of psychology at the University of York in Toronto, who recently reviewed the benefits of reading narrative fiction, stated that it helps find 'a better understanding of one's own experience, an understanding of the experience of others who are very different from us.' He added: 'It simply tends to evoke a form of reflection and contemplation, which can only be good for us.'
Why reading is social
Health related to communication is very important for overall health. It has been found that reading, often perceived as a solitary activity, can enhance our social skills.
To understand this, we need to look at how reading shapes us as we age. Between the ages of 4 and 6, children develop theory of mind—the ability to realize that other people may have different beliefs, views, and feelings. Studies show that children who read more books reach this stage of development earlier than those who read less, according to Marr.
A meta-analysis conducted in 2025 based on 21 studies showed that children who read more books had greater empathy. There is also evidence of a feedback loop between empathy and reading: according to a study covering over 900 children in 2024, a better understanding of what was read was a predictor of empathy at a later age, and empathy, in turn, predicted better reading ability. Moreover, a 2023 study established that teenagers who read for pleasure became more sociable adults.
Marr emphasized that reading fiction 'provides us with a complex cognitive and emotional simulation of the social world,' which is useful in real life.
The power of narrative
These benefits can be partially explained by the power of narrative itself. Neuroimaging studies have found that the brain networks involved in understanding stories overlap with those required for theory of mind. This suggests that 'by interacting with stories, we also activate the same brain networks we use to understand other people,' noted Marr, who wrote a review of these studies.
Other forms of narrative, such as films and television, can provide similar benefits, but Battrick pointed out that 'one of the things you do when you read is build a world' in your head. 'They don't give you a world. You have to do the work of imagination.'
This extra mental load can amplify the benefit of immersing oneself in a story. Spending time with favorite characters can also foster a sense of connection. Marr observed: 'Even if our friends are not nearby and cannot gather together, we can always open a book.'
Reading can also be a social activity that strengthens the joy and benefit of reading. Book clubs, shared reading groups, and social media communities like BookTok can connect us with other readers, adding another layer to the development of our social cognitive abilities. Battrick added that discussing what has been read allows us not only to imagine characters but also to understand how other people react to those characters.
The impact of differences
In addition to supporting social cognition, reading fiction can broaden our horizons and deepen our understanding of the complexity of the world. Good authors are virtuoso observers of human nature and can introduce us to experiences outside our comfort zone.
Battrick stated: 'Reading is an encounter with difference, with another way of thinking, with another place, with another approach to the world.' He noted that the places most interesting to him are those where reading encounters maximum diversity.
In a 2022 study involving over 5,000 people and published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, Battrick and his colleagues found that those who grew up reading more literary fiction were more likely to become adults with a more complex worldview—with more nuances, psychological depth, and intellectual humility.
He believes that 'if we want to live in a world where everyone is treated as an individual, knowing that the world is complex, especially socially complex, that is probably very good.' However, Battrick warned about the difficulties of studying the effects of reading, since 'reading is part of a person's life.' He also noted that people who have more time, space, or inclination to read do so not by chance.
The benefits accumulate over time, and socioeconomic status is a strong predictor of reading behavior and ability. Nevertheless, a 2025 study involving over 14,000 students showed that free reading brings the greatest benefit to children whose parents had lower levels of education. Marr concluded: 'Successful art resonates with a large number of people because it captures something about human existence that attracts us, and perhaps something we do not fully understand.'
How to read more
Marr advises starting gradually, suggesting putting away the phone before bed and dedicating that time to reading. He recommends starting with 15 minutes, then increasing to 30, 45 minutes within an hour before sleep, considering it a good habit.
Building a habit
Consistency is key. Battrick argues that not one book will change a person's life, but rather the accumulation of many books and rereading influences how people view the world as a whole.
One should also immerse oneself in a huge variety of reading formats: short stories, graphic novels, and fan fiction. Marr, given his busy work schedule and reading scientific journals, prefers short stories because it is difficult for him to dedicate himself to one book. He recently read works by Irish writer Claire Keegan.
Audiobooks can also be useful, as Battrick believes they still count as reading. Moreover, this format can facilitate the perception of some books. Listening to James Joyce's 'Ulysses' not only simplifies understanding and makes it more enjoyable but also makes one realize how much it resembles a song.
Remember that reading should be enjoyable
Battrick insists that reading should not be viewed as a monastic experience that must be undergone alone at night for personal growth. It is important to focus on what brings pleasure.
Make it social
Book clubs thrive wonderfully. Battrick notes that it is pleasant to have an accountability partner and other people with whom to share one's views.
Read without self-criticism
Reading is meant to be enjoyed. Marr notes that many people are embarrassed by what they read, but he emphasizes that 'there is no reason to be ashamed of what you read.'