As technology advances in modern times, and technological alternatives become prevalent, the question arises whether print will survive with the continued growth of eBooks and Audiobooks.
There are different advantages to Print and eBooks. eBooks allow you to carry a library worth of books on a small, light, and portable device, allowing you to read whatever, wherever you want. They can last longer than physical books as the paper will not get damaged. They have built in dictionaries to easily find the definition of a that the reader may not know the meaning of. They can even have a text to speech function, allowing the reader to listen to the book instead.
Printed books, however, actually have more scientific benefits. According to a 2014 study by Stavanger University in Norway, readers of printed books retain more information and remember more of the book than digital readers. Focus and comprehension are also seen much higher as the brain processes writing differently when reading on a printed book rather than an eBook. Studies also show that using electronic devices before sleep effect the circadian rhythm negatively due to the blue light emitted from phones and tablets and that reading a physical book is perfect to wind down.
According to research by Statista, by 2029 the amount of eBook readers is anticipated to reach over 11 million users, stating that eBook market is growing due to the increasing preference for digital content by young readers looking for ease of access and convenience. In 2016 the digital revenue in the UK was £3.1m, however the financial forecast is estimated to reach £800m in the next few years according to Statista. This estimation demonstrated the rapid growth in popularity eBooks are attracting, making it a highly valuable market.
“I have a kindle; I received it for my birthday and when I first got it, I used it quite a lot because it’s a fun new thing. But I didn’t stick with it, I personally prefer holding a physical book, hearing the pages turn and not to sound weird but even the smell of books is so good.” Said Jasmine Sumaan, a 20 year old Psychology student.
While eBooks continue on a gradual rise in popularity, printed books stay as the readers favourite, and it seems that will not change any time soon.
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