Investigating the Relationship Between Wattpad Reading Habits and Narrative Text Comprehension in an Indonesian EFL Context
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65575/ppel.v1i1.19Parole chiave:
wattpad, narrative, reading habbitAbstract
Reading comprehension is crucial for academic success, and the rise of digital platforms like Wattpad has transformed reading habits, particularly among young learners. While Wattpad offers opportunities for engagement and access to diverse literary content, its impact on reading comprehension, especially in EFL contexts, remains unclear. Existing research on digital reading and comprehension often focuses on broader comparisons between digital and print modalities without specifically examining the unique characteristics of platforms like Wattpad and their potential influence on specific comprehension skills related to narrative text understanding. Aim: This study investigated the correlation between Wattpad reading habits and students' reading comprehension of narrative texts among Indonesian EFL learners. Data analysis using Spearman's correlation revealed a weak, positive, and non-significant correlation (r = .285, p = .267) between Wattpad reading habits and narrative text comprehension. This suggests that, in this sample, increased engagement with Wattpad did not significantly translate to improved comprehension skills. These findings challenge assumptions about the direct link between digital reading engagement and comprehension gains. The study highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of how digital platforms like Wattpad can be effectively integrated into EFL instruction to enhance reading comprehension, particularly concerning narrative texts.
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