Which is scientifically better, printed books or electronic books? For as long as I can remember, I have loved reading all books including the dictionary (yes I was that kid). I love learning new words that I could use in my everyday life (dictionary) and getting lost between pages being transported to somewhere only I know. “That’s the thing about books, they let you travel without moving your feet – Jhumpa Lahiri” and as a traveller whose not physically travelled in the last 9 months, I have been enjoyed the adventures that my books have offered me.
If you were a better man/woman, which would you think is scientifically better, printed or electronic books? I would say printed books always wins this round because most avid readers I know always prefers the hard cover. Over 2 years ago I went through a phase where I would much rather read my kindle or just listen to audible instead of reading a hard cover book. I found plugging in the ear phones as I commuted to work always worked in my favour but now I am back into loving hard copies and my little home library is slowly but surely growing.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post
Which Is Scientifically Better, Printed Or Electronic Books?
We live in an age where it’s possible to make and distribute just about every kind of content using electricity. In many cases, there are obvious advantages to doing this. Why bother with a big, cumbersome shelf filled with Blu-rays and DVDs when you can stream everything with Netflix? Why bother packing a hefty paperback when you can simply read off a lightweight Kindle?
There are a few scientifically-backed reasons to prefer traditional paper and ink over pixels on a screen. These have implications for our personal reading habits, but they also matter when it comes to business. If you’re going to persuade people with marketing, after all, then you’ll need to find the best way to get your message across – and it might be that traditional booklets hold an advantage over eBooks.
Let’s take a look at five different advantages of print media.
More information absorbed
Repeated studies have established that readers take in more information when they’re having a tactile experience as well as a visual one. The feel of holding the material in your hands, turning the pages, and seeing at a glance how much progress you’ve made, can all contribute to greater retention of key details.
Less eyestrain
Looking at a screen places a burden on your eyes. When you’re spending your entire working life looking at a computer display, adding extra screen-time can deprive your eyes of the ability to recover. You can deal with this by using the ‘night mode’ that many apps, browsers and websites now offer, or by turning down the brightness. But a better idea is to simply make the switch to printed materials, which don’t give off any light at all.
Less distraction
If you have your hands on a device, then the internet is never more than a click away. Billions of dollars are spent by massive tech corporations, in search of a way to keep you ‘engaged’ with their content for as long as possible. When you’re reading a printed book, there’s no chance of you getting side-tracked by an interesting-looking thumbnail or push notification.
Amplify the joy of reading
According to a myriad of studies, readers polled about how much they actually enjoyed the experience of reading almost universally prefer the experience of reading a physical book over an electronic one.
Better sleep
It’s now pretty much an established fact that staring at a screen just before bed will result in worse quality of sleep. Not only because of all of the distraction and stimulation you’ll get, but because of the blue light emitted by your mobile device. Blue light is of the same wavelength as daylight, and thus sends the signal to your brain that it’s time to wake up. Ideally, you should have at least an hour of screen-free time just before you drop off – and what better way to spend that time than with the help of a good book?
khoingn | The Broad Life says
Since there are many advantages of using electronic book, my favorite always goes with printed one. Idk why but at least it gives me the feeling that I’m reading a book.
Sara | mshealthesteem.com says
My book collection is huge and I LOVE to read. Personally I find there’s nothing better than having the book itself in hand ♡
Renata says
I now that digital books are more environment friendly. However, I’m really old school and love them printed.
emman damian says
E-books has been very convenient but the bookworm in me still loves the conventional print. I also like that it gives a different vibe to it.
Rose A (@mail4rosey) says
My library was my favorite room in my house. I like tangible books better too.
Nyxinked says
Honestly I love both. I love the feel and smell of a new book, and I love the fact that you can take multiple books with you digitally without any added weight. It’s difficult for me to choose.
Ivan Jose says
I still love printed books. I do enjoy the smell of books plus the act of flipping through pages. It’s very relaxing.
Midwife360 says
In my personal opinion, I like the feel of holding a book in my hands. I like feeling the pages and flipping through them. Even though electronic books may be a bit more convenient, I prefer the real thing.
Solace by Rhea says
Works for me both ways, I’ve been reading ebooks from my device lately – I’m still engaged anyway. however nothing compares with the experience of reading a physical book.
Grasyah [Of Coffee and Crackers] says
i prefer the printed one. less straining for the eyes and i love the smell of new and old books.. that is heaven for me!!
Cristina Petrini says
Regardless of everything I am for paper books, they give me a different feeling and I read one after another. I have 3 or 4 ebooks, given away, never read.
Dr. Elise Ho says
The benefits of reading an electronic book is plentiful. However, I do still enjoy touching and smelling a real book. There is just something about that.
Ramil Hinolan says
I would prefer the electronic kind rather than the physical copy. It is more convenient, especially when you are always on the go and you have plenty of slack time during travel.
Kat says
It’s undeniable that printed textbooks are great. There must be a balance though. Times are different now and we can´t ignore the digital revolution specially among younger generations.
Lizzy says
Wow I never thought about the science behind reading a physical copy versus a digital book. But I love physical copies. Especially to avoid the eye strain of the screens!
Heather says
I have never been able to get into electronic books. I love the feel and the smell of printed books.
Brianne says
I love both physical and ebooks, but I can see how physical books would be superior. I know that when I turn a page, I seem to remain more engaged.
Claudia says
I’ve alway said that real books are better than ebooks, but now I see it’s been proven! Vindication!