London, United Kingdom – A recent study revealed that reading from paper books grants the reader a better ability to understand and remember compared to reading via smartphones and tablets, at a time when screens have become the most widely used medium for accessing news, books, and digital content.
Mental Mapping of Information
Researchers explained that the brain processes printed texts differently than texts displayed on screens, as physical pages help create a mental map of information, making it easier to retrieve later. Conversely, digital reading leads to increased distraction and reduced focus, especially with the appearance of notifications and constant switching between various applications that weaken the reader’s ability to immerse themselves in the content.
Slow Reading vs. Visual Scanning
The study pointed out that phone users tend to engage in rapid reading or what is known as “visual scanning,” a method that reduces deep interaction with the text. Paper books stand in contrast to this, as they encourage slow, deliberate reading that enhances comprehension, understanding, and the retention of information for longer periods.
Visual Fatigue and Processing Quality
Researchers added that the visual fatigue resulting from constant staring at screens might also affect the quality of reading, as the brain exerts more effort to process digital texts compared to printed ones, which negatively reflects on the ability to remember after finishing the reading. Despite the significant advantages of e-books, such as portability and access to thousands of titles in a single device, the results of the study confirm that the print book still prevails when it comes to deep learning and academic study.
Balancing Technology and Tradition
Experts advise resorting to paper books when reading educational materials or topics that require high focus, while reducing distractions while using electronic devices by turning off notifications and dedicating time for reading away from other applications. The results of the study highlight the importance of achieving a balance between technology and traditional methods, confirming that digital development has not yet succeeded in displacing the print book from its position as one of the most effective means of developing knowledge and enhancing memory.
