Print or e-book?

READING books is on the wane, with most students spending their leisure time on video games and social media.

Nur Amira Mirza Nazar, 18, a Foundation in Science student at Universiti Teknologi MARA, reads not only academic books but also other genres to boost her vocabulary and widen knowledge.

“When students do read, chances are they can’t get their favourite material at the bookstores and they have to resort to reading them online in Portable Document Format, on Kindle or download free book reader apps,” said Nur Amira, who prefers an online medium for reading.

Faiq Rusyaidie Mohd Zulkarnain, 20, said textbooks are expensive so students prefer to read them online at a much cheaper price or no cost at all.

“With audio book applications such as Audible, they can listen to books en route to class,” he added.

The software engineering undergraduate at University of Malaya said students do not have time to read for leisure as they believe they cannot keep up with their studies.

“I prefer print. I am an IT student so I already spend most of the my time in front of my laptop and iPad.

“I read sci-fi books and fantasy novels. These types of work stimulate imagination and creativity.”

Muhammad Shafiq ‘Izzat Zaruddin, 22, reads for self-development at leisure.

“Reading is not popular nowadays since more interactive learning methods and videos allow students to learn more effectively.

“Printed materials are inconvenient to keep and carry around. Students prefer to download material to a laptop or tablet.

“I choose devices such as a tablet or phone because tonnes of reading material can be found online. Also I can save a lot of money,” said the Bachelor of Chinese Medicine undergraduate at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia media and communication student Muhammad Zaim Badrul Hisham, 25, said he reads to expand his horizon and boost vocabulary.

“Students do read but sometimes the material they read on Facebook, Twitter and online lack quality.

“I prefer print rather than e-books because a tangible book provides focus when reading.”