In recent years, printed books have made a remarkable comeback, and it's for good reason. Choosing print books can be beneficial for your brain, health and even the planet, especially when considering the impacts of e-waste.
Here are compelling science-backed reasons to choose a paper book over digital:
1. Better Information Retention with Printed Books
Readers of print books vs e-books absorb and remember more of the plot, according to a 2014 study on print book retention. Print readers also scored higher in other areas, such as empathy, immersion in the book and overall understanding of the narrative. The physical experience of holding a printed book strengthens this effect, helping readers stay more engaged and retain key details. Plus, the tactile sensation of turning pages makes it easier to track progress and revisit important sections without losing your place.
Seeing and feeling how much progress you’ve made in the story can help readers feel like they’re unfolding the story—both literally and figuratively. Plus, with a print book, it’s easier to go back and confirm information you may be unsure of without losing your place and having to scroll or click back on your device.
2. Enhanced Reading Comprehension and Focus with Printed Books
Your brain processes material differently when reading a book compared to reading on a screen. Research has shown that printed books allow readers to engage more deeply with the content, improving comprehension and focus. Unlike e-books, which can be full of distractions like notifications or hyperlinks, printed books offer an uninterrupted reading experience that fosters better understanding. In addition, holding a book and flipping through the pages fosters a more immersive and meaningful experience, which is harder to replicate with digital formats.
Additionally, another study of print books and children between the ages of three and five revealed that kids had lower comprehension of the story when their parents read to them from an e-book as opposed to a print book. Researchers theorize this arises because children get distracted by the electronic device and have a harder time focusing on the story itself.
3. Reduced Eye Strain and Screen Fatigue Relief
Considering that many jobs require you to stare at a computer screen all day, it’s wise to give your eyes a break whenever you can and a break from screen fatigue. Electronic books can cause screen fatigue, which may lead to blurred vision, redness, dryness and irritation. With print books, you don’t have to worry about any of that.
4. Better Sleep with Printed Books
When you’re winding down for the night, reading from a screen or scrolling through a social media app on your phone are bad ideas. Studies suggest that using electronic devices like smartphones or tablets before sleep can interfere with your circadian rhythm due to blue light exposure. Printed books eliminate this problem. In general, though, the engagement and brain activity that come with reading can help you drift off to sleep when you’re having trouble. So if you’re hoping to get a good night’s rest, stick with print.
5. Higher Academic Achievement
Students who have books at home are more likely to score higher on tests, according to a study of readers from 42 countries. It doesn’t matter how many books you have, but each additional book helps children perform better in school.
This is especially true for children from disadvantaged families. Researchers believe this is because the benefits of having books at home encourages children to read for fun and talk to their parents about what they’ve learned, which only stands to benefit them in the classroom.
6. Enhanced Joy of Reading
One study of college students in the U.S., Slovakia, Japan and Germany showed that 92% of participants preferred actual books that they can hold and touch and leaf through whenever they please.
Taking a whiff of an old book is a little like the enjoyment one gets from smelling perfume or flowers. Studies have also shown that books can make us happier, inspire us to travel and encourage us to make life-changing decisions as well.
So don’t feel guilty the next time you spend a little more than you’d planned at the bookstore: Science says it’s good for you.
7. Environmental Benefits of Printed Books
Choosing printed books is also an environmentally-conscious decision. Unlike e-readers, which require electronic components and contribute to e-waste, printed books come from renewable resources. With e-waste’s 22.3% recycling rate, you can feel good about choosing a print book—with paper having a much higher recycling rate (65-69%). E-waste is a growing problem with the U.S. and Canada annually generating 7.9 million metric tons (Mt) of electronic waste or 21.2 kilograms (kg) per capita. Compare that to many printed books being produced using renewable sources and sustainable practices, making them a smart choice for the environment.
