Print Media Versus Digital Media

by Marie Vonow (follow)

Reading (15)      Books (10)      Information (5)      Online (1)      Print (1)     

Sometimes I wonder if books, newspapers and magazines in physical paper form will be around in decades to come. So much is available in digital format these days. Digital has more to offer than just the printed words with a few images that a magazine, newspaper or book has. However, print has some advantages over digital. Maybe there will still be a place for both in the future.

I love books
I love reading a physical book and haven't moved into the world of e-books, yet. I am that odd person sitting on the train holding a book from the library, quite likely in large print. At other times I will be reading a magazine while all around me are making use of their phones to help pass the time as they commute.

One of the pleasures of life is settling down in bed to read another chapter or two of a real book. When I have read enough I mark my spot with my magnetic bookmark with the owls on it.

I just love the smell of a brand new magazine. Am I the only person who relishes the smell of fresh print?

Newspaper cuttings
My Mum and I used to include newspaper and magazine clippings in our letters. I paste cuttings of personal interest into scrapbooks for later reference. Mum and Grandma used to do the same. Although I could print off something I have read online to add to my scrapbook, it isn't something I have ever actually done.

The physical nature of a book
For me, the familiarity of books and magazines is probably part of their appeal. I simply love handling them.The turning of the page makes me feel I am getting somewhere. Although there is a degree of sadness at finishing a fantastic book there is also a feeling of satisfaction when I close the book for the last time.

No distractions reading a magazine article
When I am reading a magazine article there is nothing enticing me to click on a link and read extra information on a particular point. Therefore I am not distracted from the article I am reading. There are no links to the side with interesting titles to lure my attention to something else.

I am more likely to read a print article properly rather than skim the way I frequently do with digital material. There is just so much information on the internet that I tend to feel I have to rush through an article and get on to the next one and the one after that.

People retain information better from print
According to research, people retain information better through reading the print version rather than online. The physical interaction with paper is said to have some benefits. Apparently other people tend to skim when reading online and it's not just me.

Research has shown the majority of people find it easier to understand reading something printed on paper compared to online.

I also love the internet
Although I enjoy books, newspapers and magazines I also love the internet. One of the aspects I enjoy most is sites like Hub Garden where I can easily submit articles and read those written by fellow writers.

Ease of accessing information
Information is easy to access. Instead of looking at the encyclopaedia at home or going to the library I Google the topic. I love being able to find the answer to a question quickly.

I can access up to date information, including material posted a few minutes ago. Printed material is sometimes out of date before it even hits the newsstand or reaches the bookshop or library.

Not just text
More images are included in articles. They are always in colour, unless of an historical nature or printed in black and white or sepia to achieve a particular effect.

Videos, animated GIFs and other stuff (I am not very computer tech savvy so I can't list it all) can be included along with text to add interest, illustrate a point or entertain. Sometimes this aids comprehension or is good for a laugh. There are times I feel it's only a gimmick but perhaps I am just old fashioned.

Interaction, social media and community
Online articles and blogs often allow interaction, the chance to make comments and be part of a conversation with people from all over the world. On some sites a community develops and this isn't possible through print. Social media allows easy sharing of information. Feedback is quick and easy. These are great advantages in many situations.

Conclusion
My conclusion is that print and digital media both have their advantages. I think there is a place for both in the future but I see it as likely traditional print will play a much smaller role. While I will continue to enjoy books and magazines (as long as they are available) there are many aspects of digital media I find convenient, enjoyable and exciting. I would hate to return to the days of the past when there was no internet.


# Books
# Information
# Online
# Print
# Reading

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