In this digital age, when the availability of information is at an all-time high, what are we talking about if you can get answers, advice, and explanations using only Google/ChatGPT? The question arises: What is the relevance of reading books? Will we read books in the future?
- Information on the web is usually consumed in short bursts, whereas books promote long-term concentration and immersion, which promote deeper cognitive processing.
- Reading books demonstrates improved concentration and critical thinking.
- Presenting information in paper copy simplifies and improves information assimilation. For example, eyes tire much less compared to the digital version.
Research materials:
- Cognitive Benefits of Paper-Based Reading: A Neuropsychological Perspective (Dr. Sophia Martinez, Dr. Raj Patel). Study demonstrates that reading physical books activates brain regions associated with critical thinking, comprehension, and memory retention more effectively than digital reading
- Emotional Engagement and Narrative Transportation: Paper vs. E-Books (Lee, A., Thornton, K., & Nguyen, D..) Study reported higher levels of emotional engagement and deeper immersion when reading from paper books compared to e-books
Conclusion:
Reading books has some definite advantages when viewed from the point of view of long-term and deep assimilation of information. Current popular sources, which provide easier and faster access to information, are not a substitute for books in general.