This research examines the Internet-based reading practices of young people in Mostaganem, Algeria, through an anthropological-descriptive approach and explores the socio-cultural factors influencing these behaviors. The study highlights that the Internet serves as the primary platform for academic and personal reading, driven by accessibility, practicality, and societal dynamics. Fieldwork conducted through questionnaires and interviews reveals that students primarily use the Internet for academic research, yet also explore personal topics such as beauty, relationships, and sexual education—subjects often considered taboo in their traditional society. The findings emphasize the decline of traditional book culture due to historical, institutional, and socio-cultural influences, alongside the transformative impact of digital technologies. This shift underscores the growing preference for digital reading over physical books, shaped by ease of access, evolving societal norms, and the limited promotion of reading culture within families and institutions.

Reading, Internet, Young people, Mostaganem, anthropology.