eBooks Pros and Cons: Are Bound Books Better?

 

Living in an era of technology can make reading books a lot more convenient and immersive. However, many argue that reading digitally doesn’t compare to reading a physical book and can’t be considered reading . I’d love it if you could put your opinion in the comments!

An eBook is essentially a book read via a screen/ the internet. I’m not strongly one-sided in this debate; while eBooks are far more versatile than bound books, nothing can replace reading a gripping paperback, or turning the pages of a book passed down for generations. In this post I’ll be looking at the pros and cons of eBooks, and whether physical books are things of the past.

Pro: eBooks are more versatile and can be personalised

When reading a digital book, you can change things such as the font and size, a feature many will find extremely useful. In addition, most online reading platforms have a feature which means you can highlight and define any word in the book. This is especially useful if you are studying or need to have a good understanding of the book. These features also mean reading is available and enjoyable to a wider range of people with different needs.

Con: Interruptions and Advertising

The internet was designed for information, not stories. I read to partly to escape the stresses of real life, but if you’re reading on a device such as a phone or tablet, you are interrupted with texts, adverts, etc. It’s a concern that books may become a strange combination of media, from videos to photos and music, which could take the imagination out of reading. With a paperback, however, there are no interruptions.

Pro: It’s Easier to Find Books 

Apps which allow you to download books make it easier to find a book you’re looking for; with just a quick search, you can find what your looking for. As well as this, you don’t have to wait for the book to be delivered, and you don’t have the pressure of returning it if it was borrowed. This also means it's easier to read books from overseas, or in different languages.

Con: Screen Time

A 2020 study found that the average person spends 45 hours a week looking at a screen (that's over six hours a day). Many believe reading online turns one of the off-screen activities we do into more screen time. Blue light from screens strains our eyes,  potentially resulting in long term damage to eyesight. Even though technology such as E-ink readers better combat this issue, they are still based on a screen: with a paperback, there's zero blue light.

Pro: Better for the Environment

As bound books consist of hundreds of sheets of paper, it's no surprise this has a negative effect on the environment. Paper production contributes to deforestation, already a major issue (according to a 2018 study, 60% of trees cut down every year are used to make paper). Using a Kindle, phone or tablet means all your books are condensed into one device- usually made of no paper!

Con: Arguably Less Satisfying

Some argue using an eBook takes away the satisfaction of turning the pages, or placing a physical bookmark in the book. Nothing can replace the excitement of picking up a brand-new book, or returning home from the library unsure what to read first. While eBooks have their advantages, they are no replacement.

In my opinion, it's very hard to compare eBooks and physical stories, as they are worlds apart. They suit different people, different scenarios and have different purposes overall. The great thing is that you don't have to choose one; one day you might feel like a paperback, another it's more convenient to read on your phone. They have their own pros and cons- so choose whatever works for you!

This post is the one year anniversary of PageGirl! Thank you to all those who have read and enjoyed my posts so far. Please let me know what you'd like to see in the future in the comments!