The Culture of Wattpad’s Impact on Students’ Reading Comprehension

This study used qualitative ethnographic methods to explores Wattpad culture affects reading comprehension among students at Young Achievers School of Caloocan Incorporation. which serves as a popular reading platform among local youth. The researchers collected data through their digital community participation which included 20-to-30-minute audio-recorded interviews and they used thematic analysis as their research method. The researchers selected 6 participants which included 2 active student users and 2 teachers and 2 parents to achieve a complete range of perspectives. The researchers established trustworthiness through Lincoln and Guba's criteria of credibility and transferability and dependability and confirmability while they implemented strategies to minimize researcher bias. The researchers maintained ethical standards through their use of informed consent and confidentiality protection through pseudonyms and their correct citation of all referenced material. The study found that Wattpad increases reading motivation while developing literary skills and cognitive abilities and creating opportunities for social interaction. However, students face difficulties when they need to use formal academic language while dealing with digital distractions and casual speech patterns. The study provides insights that will help educators and curriculum developers and parents to use digital platforms which are popular among students to improve literacy skills.