Many prefer paper
In addition to having a charming appeal on their own, books have some major advantages over their digital counterparts, like not running out of charge. Even in the current day, where technology has caused many things to become digitalised, many Millennials, though glued to their electronic devices, still prefer to have books in a paper form. Learning in a digital format will cause disparities across geographical and economic boundaries. Also, when studying subjects like mathematics, where a lot of doubts need to be cleared on a regular basis and where a lot of practise is required, using a computer just isn’t viable.
Paper wastage can be reduced, as is seen in the case of handing down study material and reusing paper. So, this practise must not be completely shelved.
From Ms Aisha Eapen
Dubai
Need to evolve to digital
Digital formats are becoming common in every field, due to advancements in technology. This is not only for the betterment of the environment, but also for keeping up with technological advancements. It is necessary for people to be exposed to such formats and to be taught how to use them. As technology and systems evolve, we must evolve with it. Not having exposure to learning such formats can’t be used as a reason, as there are always people who know it better and they will be chosen over those who do not, in the workplace.
From Ms Lekshmi Jagan
UAE
Books are better
When we refer to school, we always think of textbooks and notebooks. Regardless of how technology has taken over, paper-based books should be the norm. I read books regularly and even today, I enjoy reading them when they are in paper form rather than through an e-book platform.
To put the issue in context, the generation, as of now, has a combination of people. There are ones who were born before the technological revolution started and ones who were born after. Those who were born earlier, would fully agree that the pleasure and satisfaction of reading through paper-based books is greater. Also, there are many who may not understand or know how to use these evolving systems. I believe that regardless of how quickly technology takes over or how well we get trained in using such systems, paper-based books are the best. Technology, however, can help us improve certain areas like billing and account maintenance and in this area, paper systems can be replaced.
From Mr Balaji Bhushan
UAE
Original documents still needed
There is no doubt that many offices are implementing a paperless culture. However, we still need a lot of documents that are printed on paper. Cyber thieves are often one step ahead of the most advanced technology. Still, many electronic transactions need to be authenticated by signatures and proper identification, like passports, where things like bank transfer instructions need to be verified through original documentation.
From Ms Priti Mackinnon
UAE
Not everyone can afford it
Going digital is the way forward. It works for the environment; it reduces cost and time and increases accessibility to a wide variety of material. Being in favour of digital technology makes our lives that much more compact and our backpacks lighter.
The use of technology has been implemented in several organisations and educational institutes; however a majority of people in the developing world do not have access to these instruments, which only widens the gap between ability and advantage. Governments need to implement the use of technology, with requisite restrictions on questionable content available online, at grassroots levels, throughout their respective countries. This is harder to implement in large countries such as India, but charitable organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have always been at the forefront of teaching new technologies to the underprivileged.
If governments can work with the right partners to teach people about technology, I believe people would be less resistant to switching to digital. Moving to digital means all information is stored in one place. This does increase the risk of a breach, but it’s also very convenient.
From Ms Monita Mohan
UAE
Always a place for paper
Digital media is the new frontier as it has bridged the gap between people and it has turned the world into a global village. With e-books and videos, along with all forms of content available over the internet, people have easy access to information. Moreover, utility bills and other daily bills can be paid with bank accounts that can be accessed online. However, there is still a section of the population in every developing or developed country that prefers doing work the old-fashioned way. They prefer reading books in print or writing in a notebook with a pen instead of typing it on their laptops or tablets. Furthermore, many are not technologically advanced or perhaps cannot afford to keep expensive digital items. I believe that the internet has facilitated companies to sell their digital products for technologically advanced customers. However, the print medium of such offerings must continue, because reading paper-based books, working with documents in print and using paper stationery brings us closer to Nature and ourselves.
From Mr M. Omar Iftikhar
Karachi, Pakistan
People need to be taught
People have been using paper for years for billing, teaching purposes and documentation. Digital formats are convenient and save the environment, but many are not aware of how to use this technology. People should be trained in this concept as it takes some time for material to be introduced in the digital forum. Overall, using digital systems are good, provided every one knows how.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Bengaluru, India
Efficiency is not always green
I think we should still have paper. All the information and propaganda spread on the environment is not always accurate and people often need hard copies. I was on the phone the other day, because I still had not received my bill from my telecommunications provider. The website refused me access, and I had to claim expenses on my bill, so the accounts and my records needed to be in proper paper forms for organised filing. I have had paper bills from them since 1982!
I embrace email and have had a mobile phone with text messaging since late 1997. I worked at one of the first companies to have a fax machine in Abu Dhabi, when many did not. Yet, I look forward to receiving paper bills and the statements that electronic bills save us from the carbon footprint expended in our commute to the post office, does not bother me. What about the commute to work? The car spews out carbon monoxide then, as well, yet not everyone is willing to give up driving. Such arguments seem to be an excuse to hide from our responsibilities. It is not progress, it is window dressing to pretend that we are on the ball. Efficiency is not always trendy or green. I want, like and need my paper bills to avoid being swindled or overcharged, and to not have to sort it out with a computer rather than a human being. I always tick the box, and will always pay for a paper bill.
From Mr Keith Lupton
Dubai
Editors’ note: What do you think about the issue? Should the world move towards digital or will it always have a place for paper? Email us on readers@ gulfnews.com. You can also post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet us @GNReaders.
