To Read a Book or Read an E-book, That is the Question

In the ever-changing world of reading, one thing has remained the same: a book's ability to pull a reader in through captivating words that can feel as though she is living out the story with every turn of a page. Whether one enjoys reading the glued-together collection of pages or an electronic device, both physical books and eBooks offer the same escape from reality even if just for a small while. Despite the deep love of books all avid readers share, there has been one debate that has arisen in the book world of whether reading physical books is better than reading eBooks. Ultimately a person should consider the convenience, physical constraints, and effects on the reader's health of both physical books and eBooks before choosing how to enjoy the captivating pull of a story. 

The rise in popularity of eBooks over physical books lies in the convenience of portability and accessibility. When it comes to portability, carrying around physical books comes with the inconvenience of bulkiness, and the weight of carrying multiple books limits the number that can be transported at once. On the other hand, the compact and electronic nature of eBooks allows a reader to carry an entire library stocked with millions of books on a single device, as well as access those eBooks on any device that has access to the reader's virtual library. Additionally, readers have instant accessibility to any eBook they desire. With a simple selection and purchase, readers can dive into a chosen eBook immediately. However, with reading a physical book readers must consider the delay in the enjoyment that can arise, once a reader has selected the book he or she desires to read. The reader faces the time-consuming task of searching for the book at a bookstore or library, waiting for a physical book to be delivered, or waiting for the next title in a series to be released.

While eBooks have helped eliminate the need for large spaces to store multiple books, the physical constraints of charging and connectivity pose an issue while reading. Despite the allure and aesthetic appeal that bound books may hold on readers and collectors, physical books require physical storage space, with each addition to a collection needing its share of the shelf. As the collection grows the space becomes limited, and eventually, there is no space left for more books unless some are donated or given away.  In contrast, eBooks offer a virtual library, capable of housing millions of titles without consuming any physical room, eliminating the need to remove any books from a collection. Unlike physical books, which may add certain aesthetics to a room, eBooks are unseen, and only the device used to read them is visible. However, with this unlimited space comes the issue of charging a device and the need for connectivity. eBooks are read on electronic devices and require charging to maintain the reading experience, as well as maintaining a constant internet connection for downloads or updates. In contrast, physical books can be read 24/7 without having to worry about battery life or charging, nor have a dependence on an internet connection allowing its reader to escape the grasp of technology.

Despite the convenience that eBooks offer readers, the use of eBooks can lead to health concerns such as eye strain or comprehension issues. Physical books typically have one font size, which may cause some to squint or need glasses to read, whereas eBooks allow users to adjust the font size to their preference. However, both may lead to eyestrain. The downside that eBook readers may face is the need to take frequent breaks to prevent overuse of screen time. A paper in the National Library of Medicine pulled together studies that show blue light from screens can damage retinal cells, leading to problems like age-related macular degeneration.[1] Additionally, the impact that reading eBooks can have on learning, can lead to cognitive issues. A study performed by researchers at Stavanger University in Norway discovered that people tend to retain knowledge better when reading a physical book than an eBook. Researchers suggest “the tactile experience that goes along with reading a printed book might be more conducive to data retention, or perhaps the fact that a reader is constantly aware of their degree of progress with a paperback book somehow has an impact on what their mind holds onto.”[2] Furthermore, the distractibility that comes with reading an eBook on an electronic device is higher than the deep focus often experienced while reading a physical book. When a reader becomes engrossed in a good book, there is nothing worse than something ripping them away from the story they are reading and pulling them away from living in the storyline. When reading an eBook on an electronic device, readers tend to face more distractions through dropdown notifications that appear on the screen and most people tend to open them to see what they say. Another consideration is the potential for readers to become dependent on technology when reading solely eBooks, raising questions about the long-term cognitive effects of such dependence.

Despite the pros and cons of the convenience, physical constraints, and health effects of physical books and eBooks, the choice comes down to how a reader chooses to enjoy the consumption of a story. For some, reading physical books offers a feeling of nostalgia and comfort with the ability to turn a page at any time, but comes with space constraints and an inability to read the books when they want. On the other hand, eBooks provide unmatched portability and immediate access to millions of books without having to worry about space, although the devices used to read eBooks may lead to eye strains from long periods of screen time, and a continual concern of battery life. In conclusion, the decision to read a physical book or an electronic eBook depends on the reader's own personal preferences and lifestyle, as well as blending the love for the printed word with the rise of the digital age.

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References:

[1] Zhao, Zhi-Chun, Ying Zhou, Gang Tan, and Juan Li. 2018. “Research Progress about the Effect and Prevention of Blue Light on Eyes.” International Journal of Ophthalmology 11, no. 12 (December). https://doi.org/10.18240/ijo.2018.12.20.

[2] Yirka, Bob. 2014. “Study Shows Readers Absorb Less Information When Reading on a Kindle.” Phys.org. August 22, 2014. https://phys.org/news/2014-08-readers-absorb-kindle.html.