I have always loved to read. Even as a kid, I would look at the pictures in books I couldn’t read and create stories based on the images. But now, reading is in a new era. Everything is online and digital. And for college students out there, reading has become minimal, unless you count reading those textbooks. But for me, I am not a huge fan of reading online books. I would rather have a book in my hand, feel the spine beneath my fingers, and escape the world of screens.
Reading on a screen all day is actually not the best for you. It creates headaches, eye strain, and lead to lack of critical thinking. When one is on a Kindle or iPad reading a novel, it is easy to get distracted. Think about how often you do a Google search or check social media. You cannot check social media in a physical book. This type of environment is not as tempting. Attention spans become shorter, and not as much attention is paid to the novel. Concentration is higher with print.
Memory is a bigger component as well. When we read a book, we can remember where something is in the book; whether it's in the middle of the book, on the left or right page. It's part of the psychology of the brain. That’s why when you go back to look for quotes, you can remember where it is. With a Kindle or an iPad, you do not get that same picture. Everything is in one place, and it’s harder to remember where things in the middle of the book happened. You can "command F," but finding a quote the old fashioned way is a much better way of thinking and using the brain.
Sleep is affected as well. First, screens suppress melatonin, keep your brain alert, and wake you up. Melatonin is the hormone that controls your circadian rhythm, or sleep cycle. The blue light emitted by screens depress the release of melatonin, making it harder to fall and stay asleep. You should turn off electronics at least 30 minutes before bed, and that even counts for reading online. However, if you need to fall asleep faster, an old fashioned book can definitely be the answer.
Reading also reduces stress. A good story can make all your problems fade away, and it's good for you! It is a stress reducer; a way to put your mind at ease. This works with both a book and a Kindle, but with a Kindle, there is added stress from staring at the screen and getting notifications from friends and games. If you’re trying to avoid a certain person, getting messages from the group chat every minute is not helpful. Stress is added from social media and games that require little to no brain power. But with a real book, there is no stress at all. Just a story that you can get lost in.
Aside from the scientific reasons, I just like reading paperback books. I like feeling the pages beneath my hands, picking it from the library or bookstore, and being able to dog-ear the pages. It is one of the best feelings, just curling up on a rainy day and reading. There’s nothing quite like it.
References
Baron, Naomi S. "Why Reading On A Screen Is Bad For Critical Thinking." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 02 July 2015. Web. 17 Oct. 2016.
"How Technology Impacts Sleep Quality | Sleep.org." SleepOrg. National Sleep Foundation, n.d. Web. 18 Oct. 2016.
Myrberg, Carole, and Ninna Wiberg. "Screen vs. Paper: What Is the Difference for Reading and Learning?" Insights. UKSG, n.d. Web. 17 Oct. 2016.
