What does reading on screens do to our brains? | BBC Ideas

We’re reading more than ever before – but much of it is on screens rather than physical books. Is it changing the way our brains work? Reading books has so many physical, emotional and economic benefits - here's why how we read might be more important than what or how much we read.

Video by Daniel Nils Roberts.

Made in partnership with the Open University.


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[sarina]

Nothing can replace the beauty of holding a beautiful book and lying down under a tree reading for hours. It's absolutely magical.

[_orodrigofernandes]

I've read 15 books this year. All on the kindle app.

I haven't read this much since my teenage years, if not ever.

Kindle makes it cheaper to buy books and easier to keep a library always available.

It's also easy to mark and to note, so... it's a great evolution in my opinion.

[sheilamaceira]

It would have been great to discuss some ideas on the differences of reading a book on paper vs ebook - not all of us uses screens to read headlines only. When I started trying to get used to ebooks, I would buy both the paper and ebook versions. And I still do and use them interchangeably depending on if I am at home or commuting for example. If one thing I would say: if you wish to try with ebooks, you may want to consider investing in a device other than your phone - so you can avoid notifications and other distractions.

[Itsrainingcatsyall]

As the cost of living goes up, I appreciate ebooks more and more because they're in my cloud and not taking up physical square footage and moving truck space 🤷🏽‍♀️ I do hope one day to have a spacious home of my own someday and have a private library of hardbacks, but I enjoy books same as always on my mobile and tablet

[avelinaferreira]

Due to vision issues, I am no longer able to read small print— and that’s the beauty of an e-reader because I can adjust the font to my needs. I use kobo and it’s a perfect device for loosing myself in a good book.

[dreadmagi]

I love my kindle. My apartment is too small to store books these days.
Also, as I live in Vietnam, it makes a whole lot of difference when you can one-click buy an ebook so that you can read on its release date, without any shipping cost.
The magic of information age!

[lelouchlibritannia]

I don't feel any difference in the way I remember what I've read on paper and what I've read on screen. For me, reading is reading, and digital reading is just so convenient...

[NikoN-xwxy]

When she mentioned Deep Reading, it struck a cord within me and I started tearing up a bit because I knew what she meant. Reading and writing fascinated me ever since I first started writing and it left (and still does leave) me in utter fixation.

[thomaslilly]

I grew up with reading physical books, and it's still mostly what I'm reading. However, I have to say, I also have no problem whatsoever reading literature (and I mean "literature", complex, demanding prose) on my phone. Especially in other languages, it's just so handy to have a dictionary just behind a "long press". I've read James Joyce in the original English that way (I'm a German native speaker). So, it's never the medium, it's always the content and what you do with it.

[samirasanjikhan]

Ohh I can't explain how much I love reading. Although I love reading books a lot, I have trained my brain in a certain way that I don't get tired of reading from the computer or mobile screen. It depends on the content what are you choosing to read and how much time you are spending looking at that screen. Happy reading great people! ❤❤❤

[zaziro]

On my own, I notice, when I read on paper, it has a more impact for me, in a positive way. I can work better with paper. It is a very interesting thing.

[Robbie]

I couldn't live without books, but I read on all formats. Ebooks, hardcovers, and paperbacks, I do them all to include audio books. I couldn't imagine not reading and that's why I have a book with me where ever I go. Good video. R.

[kuntalkuntal]

I really don't feel any difference in reading in paper and phone. Once I'm in flow, I really don't remember (or care) about where I'm reading it.

[hflckdq]

I’m a bibliophile, I’m into collecting and buying books . I perceive information better when I read a paper book . I also enjoy savouring every and each page while I read ❤I’ve been always wanting to be an avid reader, so I’m learning to stick to a wonderful habit . ( thanks to my teacher after her inspirational lesson ) For one month I’ve finished two books (paper ones) and pampered myself I bought more 3 books 🎉🎉😇😇😇 books are my indulgence

[cherylbristol]

Reading in general is an adventure or an escape. It enriches the brain and makes you want to read more. Truly a treat that most people love.

[barbarawinkle]

I have an amazingly large and eclectic library of books on my shelves. To say that I am a "book person" would be a massive understatement. There is something so special that happens when reading a paper book, and more so if it it is quite old and pre-owned. You reflect on how life was when someone from decades long gone picked up the same item you now hold in your hands. I tend to not read e-books if possible, but I really enjoy downloaded unabridged audio books. Such a lovely experience when you put a great author together with a great narrator. Having stories read to you as back in childhood days...not to mention eliminating eye strain😀

[yanao]

I get really dizzy reading in kindle or phone so even if I have shitton of ebooks, I still buy the book eventhough it costs so much money.

[deafmettle]

We are a family of avid readers. We have books, both fact and fiction, in nearly every room. And they have all been read, sometimes multiple times. I do agree that there is nothing more satisfying than reading a physical book. It's tactile, and you dont get the same feeling with an ebook. But I'm not sure I agree that ebooks change the way I read. I read every word and if I dont comprehend, I will go back over the sentence, paragraph, page, or even chapter again regardless of the reading medium im using. I can also use the built in dictionary to check unfamiliar words. I also disagree with the broad statement that books are calming. A good thriller can have me on the edge of my seat with my heart in my mouth as my imagination pictures the scene as it unfolds. Even non-fiction texts can induce emotions like excitement, sadness, incredulity, inspiration, frustration, etc.

[alien]

english is my second language. Honestly, i listen, speak a lot but i dont read book in engish, i read it on ly in my native language. but after watching this video i made a decision to read in english and i hope i'll read. thank you for this information

[sareenac]

I thought it was just me when it comes to ready through computers, phones and iPads and feeling like I can’t read more in depth on screens and when I read paperwork and books gives me more sense of ease and joy and not a chore for my brain to handle.