Digital reading does not need to be superficial

MORE THAN HALF OF THE PEOPLE SURVEYED said they prefer digital reading to reading books, according to a survey published by the Chinese Academy of Press and Publication last week before the 23rd World Book Day. China Youth Daily comments:

This is the first time the academy’s annual survey has found more people prefer digital reading to reading books. Like it or not, as the survey concludes, digital reading has become an irreversible trend. It makes more sense to think about how to make the best of it than simply criticizing it.

Although digital gadgets may distract the attention of users with other things, the resources available on internet-based reading devices are more abundant than before and there are many serious digital readers.

A digital device can easily store thousands of books, which makes it more convenient to carry and read.

Yet many people say digital reading is incomparable to reading books, and cannot be classified as reading, even if the digital readers read the same thing as the book readers.

The main criticism against digital reading is the fragmented time spent reading, which some people think does not allow the users to immerse themselves fully in what they are reading. This is definitely a problem that all digital readers face. However, a modern and fast lifestyle means it is also difficult for readers of books to find a block of time for reading.

Schools and parents should take the initiative to raise young people’s awareness of improving the quality of their digital reading, so that they choose the right books to read on their digital devices.

Digital reading is only a new phase of reading, and the reading devices are nothing but a new form of personal bookshelf or library. Thinking happens all the time as long as the people know the meaning of reading.