Developing reading culture in the digital era: Skimming trends and the application of artificial intelligence

Abstract: In the context of national digital transformation and library modernization, developing a strong reading culture is essential to building a lifelong learning society. This study employs theoretical research and a review of secondary sources to examine the current status, opportunities, and challenges of digital reading culture in Vietnam. The findings indicate a substantial shift toward e-books and copyrighted audiobooks. At the same time, deep reading is increasingly challenged by skimming habits and growing reliance on artificial intelligence tools for summarization. Digital technologies nevertheless provide opportunities for personalized learning, broader access to information resources, and interconnected digital libraries. The study recommends improving intellectual property regulations, developing shared digital infrastructure, and strengthening learners’ deep-reading and critical-reading competencies.