(November 15, 2012) — With the rapid evolution of technology and invention of social networking, many may find it remarkable that teens are still reading. However, studies from Pew Research Center’s Internet and American Life Project show that about eight in ten Americans between ages 16 and 29 have read a book in the past year. E-books and mobile devices have also played a role in how students read their books; however, they have not fully taken place of printed books. They are used for convenience and allow students to access their favorite books at any given moment in time. Advances in technology have changed students’ perspectives on the current generation and their reading habits. ‘’I believe we still read, but not the same way we used to because of the web-pages, articles and magazines,” says junior Arzviek Moradian. Moradian reads frequently and mainly makes use of printed books rather than reading through some form of technology. Junior Katerin Khachikyan also reads often and is involved in social networking sites as well. She says she believes in simple paper books rather than using a mobile device to access her favorite novels. “I think they [students] are too into their phones; like I use my phone for homework, but I don’t think they should read from them,” says Khachikyan. Others find that social networking sites make reading much more difficult. “It inhibits students because it adds more distractions; like when I sit down to read a book, I feel like I need to check my Facebook,” says junior Saikiran Ramanan. Although people may assume that school assignments are the only reason reading isn’t dead yet, some students say that they are more attracted to the idea of opening a book when they are expected to read it as a part of the curriculum. Junior Renia Sarkisordoukhanian says she feels that school assignments have expanded her interest in reading.“It keeps me entertained and it teaches me how to analyze characters in the book,” she says. Anahit Topchyan, a junior, even writes her own stories and says that reading school novels have improved her writing. “When I read a book it helps me analyze how an author writes their books, so whenever I write my stories, it teaches me to write like a professional,” Topchyan said. The studies conducted in late 2011 were meant to show the general reading habits of students ages sixteen and older as well as surveys from 2012 indicating how technology has further affected their way of reading.