Oh yes, as someone who used to be an avid reader, consuming 2-3 books a week as a teenager, to morphing into a screen-addicted adult who is now constantly distracted when I try to read an actual book, I can attest first-hand to the damage screen time does to reading ability. In addition to the findings in this article, screen culture has created a population of people with limited attention spans. We are now conditioned to want instant gratification, and books, comparatively, are a slow burn. I miss the days of hiding my Sweet Valley High books inside my history textbook and reading during class because I couldn't wait to find out what happens next! There is very little I have found that compares to the gratification and enjoyment of immersing myself in a really good book.

I knew there was a reason why I prefer physical books over reading on a screen! The part of this article that mentions how the experience of actually turning the pages of a book engages more of our senses is so spot on to how I feel when I read an actual book.

Also a highly valuable article to (begin to) explain why reading is so important for children.

Thanks for this.

I remember when Amazon Kindle entered the market over a decade ago, along with the Barnes and Noble Nook.  It was a big debate if physical books would be instinct, and goodbye to physical books. I wondered this too, and I saw a lot of indie book shops go out of business. 

I loved the new technology, but at the same time, I knew physical books were needed as mentioned.  It’s holding the book in your hands, turning the pages, the new book smell.  All of that stimulates your senses. I do love the option of digital, but it can be bothersome on the eyes, distracting - especially if internet is on the device, and it definitely doesn’t stimulate the senses like a physical book. Even the beautiful artwork for the cover feels better to explore in your hands.  The touch of the pages and act of turning pages, and loss of smell is gone on a device. 

But as we see, physical books are still here!  I read a study that said physical books WAY outsell digital, with physical taking 85.7% of the market, and digital 14.3%.😃

For children, I wouldn’t introduce a digital device for reading until school age.  I believe children need to explore physical books, and studies have shown that the less screen time, the better for a developing mind.

I usually try to read for 30 minutes before bed each night. So cool to read how that may be rewiring my brain and retraining my cognitive functions. I try to stick with print books to avoid excessive screentime too, which hurts my eyes. That seems to be the way to do it.

Very interesting! I love reading books digitally. I wonder how important it is to train myself back to printed material!?

Yikes, while reading this article I realized 2 things. 1st my son was playing on the iPad for the last half hour and 2nd I haven’t read a book for over a month. So I made him get off the iPad and then made a mental note to start my new book later this week. I personally like having books around and encourage reading in our house. I tried a kindle before and it was too distracting. I love the feeling of a real book and having them strewn all through the house. They are part of my decorating actually!