Wattpad as a Digital Literary Space for Generation Z
Abstract
Digital literacy now comes in many forms, this study discusses the role of Wattpad as a platform for literary literacy in the digital world, particularly in the fields of education, digital literacy skills, and lifelong learning for Generation Z. Through an in depth examination of various platform features such as reading, writing, and user interaction, this study explains how Wattpad helps improve digital literacy skills and supports continuous learning. Based on real life examples and a review of related literature, this study shows that Wattpad not only makes people more interested in reading and creating through writing, but also fosters a supportive creative community that encourages personal growth. Ultimately, the findings of this research confirm that Wattpad has significant potential as an educational tool tailored to the needs of young people in today's digital age.
References
Alexander, B. (2018). The new digital storytelling: Creating narratives with new media. Praeger.
Delors, J. (2015). Learning: The treasure within. UNESCO.
Gilster, P. (1997). Digital literacy. Wiley.
Hill, C. (2019). Wattpad as a classroom: Fanfiction's role in writing education. Journal of Adolescent &
Adult Literacy, 63(2), 123–131.
Jenkins, H., Clinton, K., Purushotma, R., Robison, A. J., & Weigel, M. (2016). Confronting the
challenges of participatory culture: Media education for the 21st century. MIT Press.
Karchmer-Klein, R., & Shinas, V. H. (2023). A mash-up of professional development: Using fanfiction
to teach 21st century skills. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 56(8), 639–647.
Prensky, M. (2021). Digital natives, digital immigrants. On the Horizon, 9(5), 1–6.
Selwyn, N. (2022). Digital technologies and the automation of surveillance. Learning, Media and
Technology, 37(1), 127–132.
Siemens, G. (2025). Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. International Journal of
Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, 2(1), 3–10.
UNESCO. (2018). Global education monitoring report 2019: Migration, displacement and education.
UNESCO.
Wattpad. (2023). Wattpad annual report 2023. https://www.wattpad.com/about
