Comments on: PROOF POINTS: This is your brain. This is your brain on screens

By: Steve Hickman

Steve Hickman — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 16:37:28 +0000

Having read this article on a screen, there was no discernable difference in comprehension or engagement. I read it through in one sitting just as I might on paper. The headline for the article (just as I’ve seen in many other articles on this topic) purports to offer some proof that reading on paper is better than reading on screens; yet, many of these “studies” suffer from poor design and all have been inconclusive and reek of nostalgia for a medium that is limited in its ability to support comprehension compared to computer-mediated reading.

I prefer reading on a tablet because I can read in low light, adjust the font size, highlight, and take notes right on the screen or with an adjacent app. I’m especially appreciative of the opportunity to use a stylus to annotate texts or take notes freehand or with a glide onscreen keyboard. Of course, most of these things can be done on paper, but with much less convenience and often not without altering the original text.

So far, it seems to be a matter of preference. I prefer reading on a tablet over desktop screens, but I don’t purchase paper books, if I can avoid it. I find the reading much less interactive and I have to deal with storage if this is a work to which I hope to refer in the future.

By: Bill George

Bill George — Sun, 30 Jun 2024 15:12:27 +0000

I have been a teacher for 30 years. The overwhelmingly majority of my high school students would rather read on paper then on a screen. This applies to schoolwork and when reading books for pleasure. Digital reading “screentime” has a negative effect on our eyes; even with blue light filters. We might not be able to pinpoint a scientific reason for it at this time, but our brains are subconsiously leading the majority of us to prefer paper over screens. This may not be a coincidence….

By: Mary Harada

Mary Harada — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 13:31:14 +0000

Reading on paper involves more physical activity than on a screen. I find that my eyes tend to wander when reading on a screen and at times become very fatigued. If the text is complex then on paper I can use a finger to focus my attention. I am a speed reader when reading print on paper, and slower when reading text online, It maybe an age thing (89) but I am more comfortable holding a book than looking at a screen. My eyes tire quickly when reading on a laptop, ipad or phone. I like to take notes when reading complex material as it helps with retention of material.