Badke and Jabr both write about reading and the ways that reading differs depending on format (digital vs. print) and context ( what we’re reading and why).In terms of digital text versus paper text, I can say that I use both formats frequently for different reasons though. When it comes to very lengthy journals, articles, or books I prefer to use paper text, as there is less strain on the eyes and it does not hurt your eye sight. Also with longer readings on a tablet or other electronic devices there is a possibility of loss of power which can cause a loss of my place in the reading. As for shorter readings, digital text works better as the amount of time focusing on the screen is lessened. In the article “The Reading Brain in the Digital Age: The Science of Paper versus Screens” by Ferris Jabr published on April 11,2013, the author states that most studies conducted before 1992 show that people read slower and paid less attention to readings done on a screen rather than on paper. I agree with this because I often lose track of what I am reading when reading online rather than on paper. I feel like if I read something in print, I get a better understanding of the text and I can fully grasp what I am reading. If I read a digital book I might lose track of what I am reading and have to scroll up and down to read it again.
There is a high chance that you might get distracted while reading something on your kindle or Ipad. Staying long hours and staring at the screen it is not good for the eyes. If the text is shorter, then reading something on your kindle, Ipad, etc. wouldn’t be that bad. I usually prefer print when it has to do with schoolwork, because I like to be able to take notes and highlight/underline what I’m reading. Now, I know that that is an option on digital formats also, but I still feel more comfortable with highlighting and note-taking on paper. I like to write little notes on the side of the paper which helps me grasp the information better. If I am reading a short novel, digital text would be a good option especially when I am taking the subway and I feel like reading a novel on my Ipad, kindle, etc.
Sometimes when a person is reading a digital text, they might end up going on social media and that distracts you from what you are reading. The person didn’t grasp what they just read so they have to read the text all over again.I chose my textbook “Principles of Macroeconomics” by Gregory Mankiw. I read the beginning of the first chapter as a PDF on my phone. I found the pdf version online for free so that is why I got the digital version because the teacher said that she wasn’t going to use the book that often and it saved me money from buying the physical copy of the book. I also did not want to carry a book to school if the book was only going to be used only certain days. I caught myself getting tired of looking at the screen. I also noticed that I would accidentally scroll up and down and lose track of where I last read. Now everyone uses their kindle especially on the train. So both print and digital texts have advantages and disadvantages. In conclusion, if the text is shorter I prefer digital but if it is long then I prefer print. Everyone has their own preferences. Both print and digital books are convenient for certain things. When you have the book in your hands, you get to feel the texture of the book, while in digital you can enlarge the text and so on.
NY Times Technology Section
