Why listening to audiobooks is bad for you

Not that it really matters what we read and don't, but it's quite fun to consider whether audiobooks count as truly reading books.
Going beyond the obvious no - you're not reading onto the more nerdy details on what really counts as a book, what are the pros and cons of audiobooks, and why reading physical books is (in my opinion) often superior.

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To save you some time:
0:00 Intro
0:46 Arguments against: audiobooks are inferior to reading
4:47 Arguments for: audiobooks count as reading
7:50 How I balance physical and audiobooks

[mbanr]

Storytelling and listening to stories existed way before humans ever started reading books. I also think it may be a bit ableist to say reading physical books is somehow superior to an audiobook. Both allow people to consume books and it is always great that as many people have access to books. I personally don’t think there is any value in putting one form against another!

[thelastunicorn]

As someone with ADHD, who gave up on reading for years, and was only able to pick it up again a year ago since starting audiobooks, respectfully...

✨️I 👏 don't 👏 care👏 ✨️ 😘

[Courtney]

I think a more appropriate title is “how reading books and audiobooks are different”. They are different but in the end you’ve still consumed the book. Your personal preference doesn’t mean audiobooks aren’t “reading”. They both have their pros and cons. I think it’s important not to imply audiobook listeners aren’t really reading, especially if that’s their only able method. All reading is good 👍🏻

[sebasargent]

I do long walks that take 2-3 hours, and I often listen audiobooks on the journey. It's a fantastic way to consume the book faster than by reading. If I don't understand or pay attention while I'm on the street, I would replay the chapter and often the entire book. For a reader/learner, I think it would be unwise not no consider the advantages of audiobooks.

[fwwaller]

I kind of disagree on the whole point about audiobooks taking away the personal pacing of a book. If you get to a certain point in an audiobook where you didn't really absorb something all that well you can always just rewind it back to a certain point, thats probably a good bit more cumbersome than just marking a page in a book, but that personalized pacing does exist with audiobooks.

[markhambelton]

I take on board your perspective and others have mentioned this, but there is a very ablest perspective to many of your points. As someone with dyslexia, I fell in love with literature from being read to as a kid. Audiobooks allow people of all ages to explore literature when their disabilities would prevent this. I have just the same ability to imagine a story when it l listen to and when I read it, but the fluency of comprehension when I listen is easier than when I read. Not all neurodiverse people are the same, but it's a shame the title of your video will be divisive to those with certain disabilities. When authors take the trouble to make an audiobook version of their work available I feel included and that they and their publishers value their disabled readership, rather than just catering for only the neurotypical and visually able consumer base.

[LordAteag]

I listen to audiobooks while driving or doing other tasks that don't require much attention. It's great, because I'd rather do other things with my hands than hold a book.

A big con for me is bad narrators. I'm going the Queen of Thieves set, and this narrator is just... mildly ruining the experience.

[TLBainter]

I tend to do both audio and physical for the same book at the same time, it really helps with my retention! Otherwise, I just listen to the audio version while I'm driving, especially on long road trips!

[ZoeysMusings]

Reading and listening are definitely two different things. Reading can be such a personal thing and an audiobook takes away that intimacy to some extent. But for nonfiction, audiobooks are great because you're learning versus fiction which is better reading because you can be as imaginative as you like and makes notes at your pace. Great insights, Elizabeth 🙂

[aima]

Elizabeth you are the big sister I never had. Thank you for everything.
Your smile and happy personality makes my day. And your advice makes me better than yesterday.

[DavidCarloz]

I’m a slow reader and I mainly read fiction. Over the years I have learned to enjoy reading slow. Taking my time has become so relaxing. When you find that beautiful sentence and read It a few time over, is what I love. Just looking at the words is special too me. You can’t do that with an audiobooks. However, audiobooks are amazing. There’s is a time a place for both.

[AbeVsTheWorld]

For me, it is hard to dedicate my time to sit still and read paperback because I have ADHD. I just can't find it intriguing. But audiobooks came in handy for me while I'm grinding in anyway especially in video games. And when the audio book has voice acting, even better for me.

I started off with Goosebumps books. Then step it up with Harry Potter 1 and 2. A complete collection of essays from C.S Lewis. And now I'm wishlisting Imajica by Clive Barker.

[thestraycat]

Audiobooks help to sustain attention which keeps the focus on a single task for a longer period. Audiobooks help stimulate the auditory process in the brain that keeps the information that comes from your ear to those specific areas of the brain. This active listening process helps analyze the information and store it in our memory. Some of the documented benefits of audiobooks may include:

Help improve ComprehensionImprove the imaginationSpark a more emotional response than readingHelp reduce negative thoughtsImprove time management abilityHelp build literacy skillsBuild your VocabularyHelp prevent age-related related cognitive deficit

[Jasmine-hoiz]

Audiobooks are a life saver for students who don’t have hours a day to read any more. When I was in highschool I use to spend up to 5 hours a day reading… can’t do that anymore so I listen to audiobooks when I’m working out, on transit, or cleaning, and save the actual reading for the weekends. I also think audiobooks are VERY harmful if you’re purpose of reading a particular book is to study it. To study a book I think it’s essential to actually take notes and actively engage with the text, reflect on a page, etc.

[luvasaur]

A bit glossed over but yeah dyslexia or other learning differences makes audio books essential! Hooray for audio books

[pietro_ferrari]

For me, each person has a specific methody for studies. It's a development, not a game. If a person prefers study by audiobooks, so do it. If prefers by paper books, go for it.
The only thing that we need to worry if we are improving our lifes for a better way. Just this.

[TheDopery]

I read books at home and on my 10hr delivery routes I listen to audiobooks. And if it weren’t for audiobooks I would have never fell in love with reading! There’s a place to enjoy both and I could not live without either one!

[UnicornRoseDust]

In general, I'm grateful that technology has brought us to a place and time where anyone can consume what they want in the format they like the most or what they find most convenient (As you said there are people with certain disabilities and limitations that cannot consume traditional books!). Looking at the subject in retrospect it's amazing 😄

[kvothe.]

I liked the subject. I liked the way you aproach to it. 1) eye or ear. all progress in the brain. 2) you can turn settings that the right pace for you 3) if you pause and think about it, it is same to stop reading and think about it. 4) you can take notes the ones you might underline. 5) the smell of the book, it is beyond my heal :) you are mostly right and i think i should share my ideas about this which i think about this, almost everyday. Thank you.

[darstar]

I think they have to count as reading. There are a lot of people who can’t read physical books medical reasons but listen to audiobooks instead.