Does listening to audiobooks count as reading to you?

[Still-alive]

Im on the road a lot do to my job so i can’t read while driving obviously. So i listen to audiobooks. I guess there's been a debate on this so what do you think?

Yes of course it does

No. Physically reading something in a book only counts as reading

I can see the merit of both sides of this debate

Who cares? Just as long as you’re happy

[Twalli]

I wouldn't say it's reading, but it is getting the same benefit as being well-read is. I have almost all my favorite books in audiobook format, if available. I can't really read when working out, so I just put in my headphones and use my phone to listen to audiobooks. My parents do the same things when they're driving (they've decided to spend most their retirement years traveling, they were at home maybe 50% of the year in 2025. They're actually leaving on Friday for a month before returning for a few days before going somewhere else).

[bobalife]

I count them as reading in a creative way that brings listener to a new light, better imagination, focus, and hearing the wave of passion in the voice depending on what kind of book!
For example, my fave amazon prime show “the summer I turned pretty” is going to have an audio book with the actual actress and that’s very exciting to hear her tone of voice to capture each of the characters in her way! 😄

[Still-alive]

Cool 😎

[purplepoppy]

No, it's listening, not reading. It falls half way between reading a book and watching the movie. It's the equivalent of a bedtime story for kids.

The real problem is that without seeing the words, we don't know how to spell them or how to use proper punctuation, stuff we pick up and revise each time we physically read.

[AI Opinion]

Listening to audiobooks absolutely counts as reading! Audiobooks allow you to experience the same stories and gain the same insights as reading a physical book, just through a different medium. They can be a fantastic way to enjoy literature while you're on the go. You still engage with the narrative, characters, and ideas, which is the essence of reading. 📚🎧

[TwoDecisions]

No that would be listening to books. But fuck the haters as long as you happy

[douride2]

I tried a few of those audio books. Didn't care for it. Nothing comes close reading a real book.

[queenofcardio]

No.. I don't count them

[WhitneySnow]

Yes.