Science has good news for all readers – a number of studies confirm that reading paper books keeps the good mind function, regardless of age. But apart from the indisputable benefits of reading, there is another important fact about printed books – they will never die.
Books have physical beauty. It’s not that there aren’t any designers working on the good image of e-books, but some of the covers of the printed books are a true piece of art. For people who truly love books, books are not just some objects in their homes. They are sacred.
Books have an ancestry. Digital books are not sustainable while the printed ones bring their story through the centuries. No wonder the book lovers are emotionally and very deeply connected with them.
Books have collectible value. There are unique books. Their unique copies are estimated of millions of dollars. Some people are looking for certain books, special precious editions to fill their collections. Covers and tactile sensation is something that cannot compete with other editions in electronic form.
The books have something nostalgic. People who prefer print to eBooks point other advantages to be the scent, weight and the specific touch of the fingers to the paper. Ebooks will never replace paper because they can never deliver the same experience.
Reading printed books makes easier the understanding. Studies have shown that the use of Kindle has a negative impact on memory and understanding of reading. Our minds are not designed specifically for reading, but have adapted and created a scheme for understanding the text by recognizing and visualizing letters and words. The tactile feeling increases this recognition and the perception of the text increases many times.
Reading long sentences without a connection is a necessary skill, but it can be lost if it is not often practiced. The more we read texts on screen, the more this skill is getting lost. Non-linear reading, characteristic of screen reading, reduces understanding and makes it more difficult to concentrate.
Reading in a slow, focused, undisturbed way is good for the brain. Slow reading is recommended for a period of at least 30-45 minutes each day, on paper, without the temptations of modern technology. Regular reading increases empathy, as long as you do it with paper books. It can also improve sleep.
Printed books will always exist, and if we want to be mentally healthy and conscious, it is good to remember this fact. One thing is certain, in the world of Facebook and television, the advantage in life has readers who take their break from technology and more often hold a printed book in their hands.