Technology can fail, paper cannot

When I sit with book lovers, paper books or digital books is a common topic of discussion. There are readers from both groups, but in my opinion, paper books has many advantages and it is difficult to replace them with digital books.

Electronic devices have become an inseparable part of our lives. Everyone reads on these devices all the time. Just like watching TV shows, reading on electronic devices lead to binge reading, you end up reading various different things than what you actually want to read. They are not like paper books where you can focus on one book only, and not on various advertisements. In addition, electronic devices lead to straining our eyes and cause sleeplessness. However, studies have proved that reading for some time before you go to bed actually calms your mind and gives you better sleep.

Today, many parents complain that their children spend more time on computers or smart phones than interacting. However, what they fail to understand is that children are like sponges — they do what they see their parents doing. If they don’t see their parents reading, then they won’t be reading any books either. Considering that, the habit of reading needs to be inculcated from the early stages of a child’s development. It is important that families come up with a routine that involves reading together, and by doing so, you will develop a habit of reading.

No matter how advanced online reading gets, it cannot beat paper books. Just looking back at a book on the shelf, which you read years before can make you nostalgic. You often make small notes in the margin of the book, which can be referred to again and again. Reading a paper book also helps the reader to connect socially with like-minded people. When you see a book in the hands of someone else, you might get to know of a new book that can be added to your ‘books to read’ list. Technology can fail anytime, but a paper book will never leave you alone.

Other than that, paper books have a personal touch and getting it signed by the author will only make it more special to you.

— The reader is an Indian festival coordinator based in Dubai