In recent years, more of our lives have been merging with technology, and books are no stranger to that. The influence of technology on books has created a division between two opinions: traditional books or ebooks.
For many, ebooks are appealing because of their convenience. Apps like Libby and Kindle, as well as websites like Internet Archive, allow users to read a wide selection of free books with just a tap of the finger, as opposed to either buying a book or having to go to the library and finding the one they wanted to read. For books that aren’t available online, the ebook versions are generally cheaper than purchasing the hardcover or paperback copies, and readers also have the choice of purchasing memberships, such as Kindle Unlimited, to have access to a better selection of books from many genres.
“I like ebooks better because my Kindle is portable, so I can just read whenever I can or even pull it up on my phone, so it’s super convenient,” says Eman Hayee, junior. “That makes me read more and finish books faster.” Often, people’s busy schedules don’t allow them to be able to sit at home and read. Ebooks help with that, allowing individuals to practice their hobby whenever they have even a couple minutes to spare without having to bring a book everywhere, which can be inconvenient and may not be feasible.
On the other hand, many readers prefer traditional books to avoid the screens they have to look at for the majority of their day, wanting to draw a boundary between their hobby and the online world. Staring at a screen for a prolonged period of time, as is required when reading an ebook, can cause stress on the eyes for some people as well.
Many people value the feeling of reading out of a physical book as opposed to just holding their phone, laptop, or Kindle. “Ebooks are more convenient and easily accessible, but they can’t defeat the feel of a physical copy,” says Fatimah Khan, junior. “I sometimes want to get a physical copy of a good book even though I already read it through the ebook version.” Many readers share this opinion, especially those who like to collect books to read them whenever they want. Additionally, looking at book downloads in an app isn’t the same as looking at one’s bookshelf, where they have collected and displayed all their favorite books.
Libraries also provide easy access to free books for readers who prefer traditional ones, providing a wide variety to choose from. Though most libraries also have an online catalog, many people find it easier to pick when they have the physical options in front of them.
Ultimately, one’s preference for books depends on whether they prefer the convenience and accessibility of an ebook, or the feel of reading from a physical copy. Which one do you like better?
