Book shelves are now digital and social
The wish lists and the already-read stacks live online now. The shelves for completed, current, or soon-to-read books are virtual, keeping pace with how people actually consume stories. Núria, Lydia, and María stopped posting vacation photos or updates about friends as much as they used to. Their social feeds have shifted toward sharing what they’ve read, stretching free time into longer reading marathons rather than quick scrolls through endless posts.
That once familiar social frame for keeping up with classmates and friends who have slipped from daily life during college has changed. The platform that used to be a place for photos, likes, and casual questions has receded in importance. Today, the flow of literary information travels elsewhere.
So where does this literary exchange happen now? Some call it “the book Instagram,” a label that hints at a shift away from the old, highly visual social network toward a space that slows the consumption spiral and emphasizes meaningful reading. Goodreads has emerged as the premier social network for books. Founded in 2006, it now reaches over 90 million users and is increasingly favored by a younger audience seeking a dedicated place for bookish discovery.
This app lets people publish reviews of finished reads, share updates on current readings, and hint at future reads. Users can also build shelves around various themes and read reviews on books of interest, turning reading into a community activity rather than a solitary habit.
An interactive space
“The interaction with books gives me learning through a shared reading of the same novel,” says Lydia. She has had Goodreads for several years, initially as a tool used by influencers she followed to track books and set reading goals. Only recently have more friends joined her in using it actively. “That interaction allows you to imagine new worlds tied to different books, and everyone takes away something unique from the same work. It’s pretty cool,” she adds.
Reading is often framed as a private act. Pablo joined Goodreads only about three months ago, drawn by friends and curiosity. He values the chance to discuss his readings with others and concedes that while reading is a personal and sometimes solitary pleasure, sharing it with friends enhances the experience. “It’s a way to connect with friends through reading,” he says, echoing Núria’s sentiment.
Discovering readings
The app also serves as a space to peruse reviews and opinions about books registered in the system. For María, it is a very easy way to discover both titles and authors. When she’s unsure what to read, she check out a friend with similar tastes and looks for titles that seem to align with her current interests.
Many of the books Marc has read or is considering often come from his friends’ reading lists. Beyond the circle of friends, the platform features profiles of notable figures who share reviews or update their reading stacks. Authors, editors, journalists, and musicians have a presence on Goodreads, offering a mix of professional and personal perspectives on literature.
This ecosystem creates a social fabric around reading that blends personal taste discovery with public recommendations, turning a private hobby into a source of communal knowledge and conversation. (Citation: interviews and user experiences with Goodreads community members and public figures.)