E-books vs books in print
I have recently become the proud owner of both an iPhone and iPad. While these gadgets are certainly revolutionary and unique, I am often overwhelmed. While there are certainly pro’s to carrying around an e-reader such as, being able to carry multiple books without the extra weight, having a dictionary on hand always, and saving trees by not using any paper, there is something to be said about the nostalgia of turning the pages of a book. We have seen the way that the digital age has effected the newspaper industry and while newspapers are not obsolete, it seems they are slowly heading that way. It is unfortunate to think that this can be the same outcome for books in print as well. We have seen major bookstores such as Border’s close, and the Ma and Pa stores have seen a similar fate.
While I understand that the direction we are heading as a society is extremely digital, I feel we are doing ourselves an injustice. I have seen how the use of technology has negatively impacted our youths as many of the kids I work with use the “I am using it for homework” excuse when they come in with a computer. I have recently put a ban on computers due to the fact that I had caught so many of them playing games rather than doing work. While I certainly appreciate all of the impacts that technology has had, and am definitely impressed by the way technology has progressed, there are certain aspects of it that have proved to be detrimental. This sense that we can be so connected at all times can be eerie at times, and when it comes to reading something, I can easily be distracted. Just typing this entry I have “taken breaks” to check my facebook and espn.com! They are now making e-readers that allow you to connect to the internet and I feel that takes away from the purpose of using it for reading, which is why a book in print is the way to go!
