https://educomics.org/on-paper-or-on-screen-the-pros-of-reading-books-and-e-books/

Books have been around for a long time, but now, with increasing technological advancement, people have the option to read on a screen instead of paper, which has led to the ongoing debate about whether traditional books or digital books are the better choices.

Convenience 

Ebooks are super convenient because you can carry your entire library on one device, like your phone. Aiman Mahmood, a high schooler at Danbury High School, points out that reading ebooks is much easier because “you don’t have to carry around a book or find a place to store it when you’re not reading.” Plus, since you’re probably already carrying your phone with you, it makes reading on the go simpler. Mahmood also mentions privacy and how sometimes “you don’t want others knowing what you’re reading,” and with ebooks, it’s much easier to keep to yourself and read. You can read anywhere, on the bus, at school, or during lunch without having to worry about anyone noticing the cover. With paper books, on the other hand, someone might ask what you’re reading based on the cover. 

Reading Experience

Although ebooks are more convenient, a lot of people still prefer paper books. Nabiha Chowdhury, a high schooler at Danbury High School, says how she prefers paper books because she “can’t read on a screen for too long without getting a headache.” This is a common problem for some people who read ebooks for long periods since screens can cause eye strain and headaches. Paper books don’t have that issue, and the experience of flipping through pages just feels more personal. Plus, they don’t have the blue light that can mess with your eyes and sleep, making them better for longer reading sessions. The smell of a book, the weight in your hands—these are the things an ebook reader can’t replicate. For some, the whole physical experience is just more satisfying. 

Cost 

Ebooks are cheaper because they don’t have printing or shipping costs. Many classic books are free and there are subscription services that give you access to tons of books for a low monthly fee. However, Mahmood points out how you need a device to read ebooks, and those devices can break or need upgrades, which can get more expensive. Paper books might cost the most upfront, but they can be shared or resold, so they can offer more value over time. One thing that people forget about ebooks is how you need to keep your device up to date and pay for repairs if something happens to it. For some, collecting books is part of the joy, having them on a shelf gives a room that cozy, lived-in vibe. While ebooks can be deleted or lost in the cloud, paper books are tangible and can stick with you for as long as you want. 

Environmental 

Both types of books have an environmental cost. Paper books require trees and energy to be produced, but they can be recycled and donated. Ebooks don’t use paper, but the devices to read them still have an environmental impact because they use raw materials and create electronic waste. Some argue that ereaders aren’t easy to recycle, and the constant demand for new devices only adds to the e-waste problem. On the flip side, paper books can be passed along or reused, giving them a second life. In the end, both formats are becoming more aware of these issues, and reducing waste, whether digital or physical, is more important than ever. 

Social Aspect

While ebooks come with many bonuses, paper books also have a social side. Whether it’s browsing a bookstore with friends or discussing the latest novel in a book club, paper books bring people together. Many people enjoy swapping books or sharing recommendations, which sparks conversations about books they love. Ebooks don’t quite offer the same experience, since everything is digital, and you can’t exactly pass an ebook around to a friend as you can with a physical book. Also, with paper books, there’s no waiting for downloads or worrying about Wi-Fi. Once you have the book, it’s yours. 

Conclusion 

In the end, whether you choose paper books or ebooks depends on what you value more. If convenience, portability, and privacy are important to you, ebooks are the way to go. They’re easier to carry, and you have thousands of books just a tap away. However, if you enjoy the experience of flipping through pages and want a break from screens, paper books might be the better choice. Both formats have their pros and cons, but they each offer a unique way to enjoy reading. Whether you’re curled up with a physical book or reading on your phone, the most important thing is that you’re reading and escaping into a new world.