By Rosie Smith
Screens replace just about everything people do in the world today. When it comes to books, paper has been around for centuries, but in recent years, electronic books — e-books — have become more popular.
In a recent survey of 25 McNicholas students, 84% said they prefer paper books, and 16% said they preferred e-books. Students’ answers varied about how often they read, from very often to a few times a week to only for school.
Students who chose paper books agreed on the convenience and why they prefer paper books. Sophomore Abigail Brock said, “You do not need to rely on technology for books or reading sources and it’s good to give your eyes a rest from looking at a screen.” Freshman Winnie Hums said, “Paper books are more tangible, they smell better, and it just feels good to have them in your hands.”
Because reading is an in-depth experience, students were polled if the reading experience differs whether it is a paper book or an online book. Paper book readers said they feel “satisfied” or “fulfilled.” Freshman Kortney Marcum said, “Some people have a more imaginative mind, picturing scenes like the book is a movie in their mind.” Senior Natalie Jones said, “I think I stay more focused when reading from a paper book.”
E-Readers like freshman Mai Nguyen explained it’s easier to read before bed and flip through the pages with just a tap. “For an E-book, I like reading before going to bed; laying down it’s more comfortable, and I don’t really need a light,” she said.
Both types of readers agree that there are disadvantages. Junior Sarah Hutchinson said, “Paper books don’t hurt my eyes and feel better to read for some reason. E–books are more environmentally sound and are more logical because you can read lots of books on a Kindle.” Student comments about disadvantages and advantages for paper books included paper books not causing eye strain from a screen to paper being easy to rip or harder to carry around. For e-books these include being lightweight and being easier to access on different devices, but some need charging often and “just aren’t the real thing,” Hums added.
“E-books can be accessed anywhere you go, but if the device is not charged you can’t read,” freshman Kelsey Litkenhaus said. “Some books are only available online,” senior Francie Goff added, which is why she said she preferred e-books.
According to research by Heather Rose Artushin in her article “The Case for paper: Books vs. E-readers” from the Feb. 2, 2024, edition of Psychology Today, comprehension is six to eight times better when reading from paper books and allows readers to recall information better.
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