Books are constantly evolving. In the 21st century, we no longer read from a page, but read from a glass screen that can hold hundreds or thousands of texts. E-readers have revolutionised the way people read, and for many have made it much more accessible. But how does it weigh up to the traditional paperback?
E-readers are better
Technology definitely offers a lot of perks, like cost efficiency and environmental friendliness.
E-readers are more environmentally friendly
E-readers provide an environmentally friendly alternative that decreases the amount of paper utilized, which improves the Earth’s sustainability by reducing deforestation.
Reading digitally allows for personal customisation, which means one can tailor their reading setting so that it is the most comfortable for them. Moreover, thousands of books are available at the touch of a button, guaranteeing that the reader will never run out of books to read.
Books are expensive period. However, with the emergence of e-readers, and by association, e-books, reading need not necessarily be a pocket emptying hobby anymore. A multitude of books is available at the click of a button at reduced prices, making the reader, the happiest on earth.
E-readers are more durable, easier to care for, and last longer than paper books
E-readers prove to be the lifeline for avid readers as they last longer and require less care compared to physical books. Because of their composition, e-readers are less anxiety-inducing than paperbacks.
Printed books cause less eye strain than e-reader screens
Prolonged viewing of electronic screens tires the eye muscles, causing fatigue and excessive strain. Compared to physical books, they have a much greater impact on the reader's health in the long run.
Printed books do not suffer from the technological issues e-readers do
Unlike e-books, printed text will never have any technological issues. There are never any download issues, technical glitches, or formatting issues with physical books. Physical copies of books allow for a smooth and enriching reading experience.
A reader can retain information longer with printed books
The simplistic nature of a printed book encourages the reader to focus primarily on the content of the written words, cultivating conditions that help the reader absorb information. It engages almost all the senses of the human body to give a wholesome experience to the reader.
Antique and rare printed books have value as part of a collection. Printed books contain constitutional and physical importance that collections will often appreciate in value. This does not happen with e-books.
The e-reader has negatively impacted the traditional publishing industry
Preferring to read a physical book over an electronic format is not just a matter of taste or convenience. E-books are economically impacting the publishing industry at large, changing the types of jobs the industry generates and the types of books that are being published.
