A Case Against E-readers

Some visitors to this blog could be sitting at their computer asking, "What's so bad about e-readers?  I own one and enjoy using it".  I'm not going to sit here, at my computer, and tell you that e-readers are terrible, because they're not.  I own a Kindle Paperwhite,  and I like to use it for leisure reading from time to time.  For educational purposes, however, I prefer hard copies over e-readers one hundred percent of the time.

In January 2015, Naomi S. Baron, Professor of linguistics at American University and author of Words Onscreen: The Fate of Reading in a Digital World, wrote an article for The Washington Post titled The case against e-readers: why reading paper books is better for your mind.  Baron shares her own research and makes the case that reading books in print is better for concentration and memory.

Summary

Baron sets up the article by stating that we, as readers, refuse to listen to the pros and cons of reading a hard-copy versus an electronic reader.  She then acknowledges the pros that come with e-readers: they are convenient to tote around, books tend to be cheaper, and as Baron says, " electronic texts (especially when they are open access or donated) are vital for democratizing learning opportunities".  Baron also mentions that there is an environmental argument for e-readers, but ultimately says that the soundness of the position could be argued.

The appeal for reading hard copy begins by Baron drawing from her research, and noting that many people, from teens to older generations, prefer reading in print for pleasure and for school or work.  Some of the reasons Baron recorded that she notes in the piece include a sense of accomplishment, ease of annotation, navigation, and aesthetic: "scent of a new book" (what English teacher hasn't said that?!).  Baron's research showed that much of what students liked about reading in print involved their minds.  She says, "Some also acknowledged they took more time with printed text and read more carefully," stating further, "Over 92 percent of those I surveyed said they concentrate best when reading a hard copy".  

Overall, Baron articulates that the issue with e-readers is a potential for distraction.  If a device has Internet connection, digital interruptions are just a tap away.  Therefore, e-readers are best for casual reading, and for educational purposes, hard copy is the way to go.