In the age of digital technology, it's no surprise that more and more people are reading on screens. E-readers, tablets, and smartphones have made it easier than ever to access books and information without lugging them over your shoulder. But is reading on a screen as good as reading on paper?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer as the best way to read depends on your individual preferences and needs. However, there is some evidence to suggest that reading on paper may be a little better for your comprehension and retention of information. Plus did you know that reading fiction makes you more empathetic?
The Benefits of Reading on Paper
You retain information better on paper
One study published in 2018 involving over 171,000 participants, found paper-based reading results in better information retention and comprehension outcomes that on-screen reading. Students who read text on paper performed better on comprehension tests than students who read the same text on a screen. The researchers believe that this is because reading on paper allows for deeper processing of the material, as it requires more attention and focus.
Many people enjoy flipping to a previous section of a paper book when a sentence surfaces a memory of something they read earlier. You also have more control over the text - you can annotate or mark pages that you feel important. You can also track how far into the book you are, which gives you more motivation to continue reading.
“There is a physicality to reading” Cognitive Scientist Maryanne Wolf
You read much faster on screens
We have adapted to consume information quicker on digital devices. Which means we ‘skim-read’ a lot more on screens than in print. This means you read faster and don’t take in the information as deeply as reading on paper. You brain adapts to its environment, so if you’re reading a book, you tend to ender a deeper focus mode.
'By and large, reading on a screen encourages multitasking, a different form of attention, a different speed of processing’ Maryanne Wolf for The New Zealand Listener
You’re less distracted when reading on paper
Additionally, some people find that they are more easily distracted when they read on a screen, which can make it difficult to concentrate and retain information. If you’re reading on a tablet or laptop, there is much more distraction from adverts, pop-ups and notifications. Plus people are more likely to sit in a quiet place and settle in to read a book deeply than they are on screens.
When are screens better for reading?
Of course, there are also some advantages to reading on screens. For example, e-readers and tablets are portable and easy to carry with you, and they can store a large number of books. Additionally, you can easily adjust the font size and brightness on a screen, which can be helpful if you have difficulty reading small print or if you are reading in a dark environment.
- Increased amount of reading due to the growth of online material
- Improved speed of reading
- Improved skimming ability
- More accessible font size
The impact also included:
- Change in patience as readers
- Multitasking
- Distraction
- Eye strain
- Scanning rather than deep reading
The benefits of reading fiction books
Getting lost in a love story can actually change your brain and behaviour, rather than just be a source of entertainment. Recent studies have shown that reading fiction can indeed enhance empathy. When we immerse ourselves in the lives and perspectives of fictional characters, our brains simulate their experiences, activating the same neural networks responsible for empathy. This ability to understand and relate to others' emotions carries over to real-life situations, fostering compassion and understanding.
A 2013 study found that people who read fiction scored higher on empathy tests than people who did not read fiction. The researchers believe that this is because reading fiction helps people to develop "theory of mind," which is the ability to understand that other people have different thoughts, feelings, and beliefs than you do.
Of course, not all fiction is created equal. Some fiction is more emotionally engaging than others. If you want to maximise the benefits of reading fiction for empathy, it is important to choose books that you find emotionally engaging and that allow you to connect with the characters on a personal level.
In the battle of screens vs. paper, there's no definitive winner. Each has its merits and drawbacks, and the choice ultimately depends on personal preference. However, when it comes to developing empathy, the power of reading fiction is undeniable. So, whether you choose to indulge in a captivating e-book or curl up with a beloved paperback, remember that the act of reading itself is a gateway to understanding and compassion.
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