Have Reading Books Become a Lost Pastime?

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   Genna Eastposted 12 years ago

   Although computers have opened up immediate, vast and rich worlds of information that I love, I still love to read books as well.  These are friends that I can hold in my hand; I love the scent of books, and the turning of the soft pages.  I also think that books may have other benefits one cannot always find on the computer.   
   
   What, if any, benefits do you think people lose when, and if, they stop reading books?

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      Istanbulguyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I think the same on this, Genna.
      
      A benefit that comes to my mind is when I go on a holiday, I prefer taking books with me rather than my laptop (weight, risk of theft, hassle about Net connection). Of course, many people would think differently, as many don't seem to mind dragging along their laptops with them even to holidays.
      
      Also, of course, another benefit is : not all books are available to be read online...not yet anyway

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      Brenda Durhamposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Great subject!
      I love to read.  But haven't read nearly as much since I "found" the internet....
      
      I think we lose the personal aspect of it.  There's just something individual about even picking out a good book!  I always feel like I've discovered a prize or something when I choose a book!
      
      We also lose, sometimes, the legitimacy I think.  A book definitely shows the author's name and a brief bio or autobiography and it's all there in a hard copy, unlike the internet which can be subject to misrepresentations or mis-quotes or plagiarism, etc...
      It's something solid that can't be "lost in space" even though it takes up less literal space!

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      h.a.borcichposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I have always enjoyed "books" and read 6 in the past 2 weeks. I also have an ipad to access both nook and kindle. I have read 4 novels on my ipad in the last few weeks. For me there is little difference.

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   To Start Againposted 12 years ago

   well I think the allow us and encourage us to use our imaginations, something we tend to let go of a little in the age of youtube videos and streaming media.

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      Genna Eastposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I agree.  Reading entire books does tweak our imaginations.

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         Tina Kachanposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I also agree
         
         Besides, I don`t get it how people can read entire books on a kindle, iphone and other similar devices.
         
         I get cranky when I have to read something extremely long on my laptop, let alone an entire book. If I have something on my laptop, I always print it out and then read it

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            Genna Eastposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            I know.  We can't cuddle up with our laptop in the evening, pop it on the nightstand to continue reading later...especially alongside our significant others.

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   TamCorposted 12 years ago

   What, if any, benefits do you think people lose when, and if, they stop reading books?
   
   I would have to say, in my case, my sanity, lol...
   
   There's nothing I like better, at the end of the evening, than reading a great book until I can't stay awake any longer! I've been a voracious reader since I was a child, so I can't imagine not reading anymore...

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      Genna Eastposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      My parents didn't let us watch more than 30 minutes of television a day until we knew how to read.  I’ve been an avid reader ever since.  I can’t imagine not picking up a book ever again.

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   mqueeposted 12 years ago

   I still enjoy reading books because I find it relaxing. When I am reading on the internet, I find myself in sort of a rush.

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      Genna Eastposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I too, find it relaxing to read a book.  The words on the page are more present for some reason.

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   jenblacksheepposted 12 years ago

   I love to read too. There's something about a new, unblemished book that's so satisfying. I bought a '100 classic books' for my DS but it's just insane trying to read on those tiny screens and it takes longer to read too. I hate when I book feels like some kind of epic mission where you have to get to the end.
   
   I've just finished reading an excellent book where I've learnt all about the history of the Congo!

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   Uninvited Writerposted 12 years ago

   Since I got my Kindle I'm reading more than I have for a while. The print on the Kindle is just like reading a paper book, there is no glare and it's not like reading a computer.

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      Genna Eastposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I have never tried the Kindle; thanks for the suggestion...I just might give it a try.  (But I  might miss my pages.

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   melporposted 12 years ago

   Reading books is something I still do, but unfortunately books will one day become a victim of changing times due to the invasion of e-books. I now do most of my reading from my I-Pad because I find it more convenient to buy and carry a large selection of reading material this way.

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      Genna Eastposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      You have a good point about the I-Pad . 
      
      Still...I can't help but wonder what Keats, Shakespeare, Dickinson or Frost would think if they were to see their words digitized...or what they would say and write about it.  Now there’s a topic for another forum.

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   klarawieckposted 12 years ago

   I don't think so... There is nothing like the smell of a library full of old books!

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   asiemensposted 12 years ago

   I guess technology has limited reading somewhat. People, especially children, tend to lose a lot of their creativity thanks to TV because they don't have to imagine a scene or character, it's all right there. I think people lose the ability to really feel for a character and become a part of a story.
   
   Personally, I love books. Like you said Genna, I just love the feeling and smell of them. Especially older books that may have been handed down, or books from your childhood. I do own a kindle and it's great for trips because I don't have to lung around like 5 books anymore. It's really nice and read like a book. However, I o prefer the physical aspect of actual books.

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    Gyldenboyposted 12 years ago

    It depends, on what we're attributing the reading skill to.
    
    For everyday purposes, reading does increase the power of imagination. However, so can 'Dream Theater' or audio books as they call them now. Of course, those are just two ways to increase imagination.
    
    How videos effect imagination, I'd agree they don't really encourage it. Many games however, do challenge the mind. Puzzles, that often require imagination more then knowledge.
    
    I myself am more inclined to read comics, flash fiction, poems, philosophy, nonfiction for research, and play a video games myself. These, are just preferences.
    
    But, there have been amazing books I've read that I've dropped everything else to read. So, I think it's a medium that shouldn't be ignored.
    
    In fact, I think how much more enriching it is to read instead of playing with cellphones, portable gaming devices, or ipads when traveling. Or, when waiting for someone to finish shopping or an appointment.
    
    When I leave home, I make a strict rule for myself not to be a tech junkie. The only gadget I take, is a basic cellphone solely for calling and on occasion, a music player. Otherwise, it's just the book I bring to read.
    
    Anyways, that's my two cents.

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    DIY Backlinksposted 12 years ago

    I don't think so, I enjoy the internet but I still love to pick up a book and read it. A lot of information is still better in a book.

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    nakmeisterposted 12 years ago

    I asked this question on a question and answer site only a few days ago - I asked if people read a lot less than they used to. I've had about 25 responses so far, and all but one or two said they read less than they used to. The internet is just far too easy and tempting!

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