In an era dominated by screens and where information is consumed at lightning speed through short, fleeting videos, it may seem strange that young people are turning back to paper books. How can they find joy in reading in a world dominated by technology and digital platforms?
However, there is still a segment of young people who prefer printed books. Some studies suggest that reading from printed books enhances emotional connections with texts more than reading on screens, explaining why some people continue to prefer paper books.
Reasons Why Young People Are Returning to Paper Books
According to coach Fatima Zaher, a behavioral adjustment trainer and advanced practitioner of NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), there are several reasons behind the return of young people to paper reading, which she has outlined as follows:
1. Escaping the Digital Overload and Enhancing Focus
The digital world has become filled with distractions that drain attention and reduce focus. In contrast, books offer a deep reading experience that allows the reader to dive into thoughts, concepts, and characters without interruption. Coach Fatima Zaher confirms that "a book provides an in-depth experience that enables the reader to escape the digital chaos, requiring sustained focus and deeper mental engagement, which helps enhance critical thinking and analytical skills."
Studies have shown that reading printed books enhances concentration more than digital reading. A study published in Psychological Science revealed that people who read paper books remember information better than those who read on screens.
2. Books Offer Space for Intellectual Reflection and Emotional Connection
Books provide a space for deeper contemplation of significant ideas, something that is often missing in the fast-paced digital content. Reading is not just about gaining knowledge, but about asking profound existential questions, allowing readers the opportunity to reflect and contemplate. Zaher adds, "A book is a safe haven for those seeking a deeper meaning in life or those who want to understand themselves and the world around them, away from the pressure of fast digital content."
Furthermore, printed books carry a special emotional dimension. A study conducted by Stanford University found that reading from printed books strengthens emotional bonds with texts more than reading on screens, which explains why some readers feel a stronger emotional attachment to paper books than e-books.
3. A Desire for Personal Growth and Self-Awareness
Today's youth are increasingly interested in self-development in various aspects of life, driving them to seek out books on personal development and psychology that provide broader perspectives on life. Coach Fatima Zaher explains, "Young people today are looking for resources that help them understand themselves and cope with life’s challenges, which is why they prefer books that offer a thoughtful and focused reading experience, free from digital distractions."
Supporting this idea is a statistic that shows a significant increase in sales of self-development books among the 18-35 age group, indicating that young people view reading as an essential tool for personal and professional growth.
4. Nostalgia for Paper Books
Despite technological advances and the availability of modern reading methods through tablets and smartphones, many readers still prefer paper books due to the sensory experience they provide. Zaher explains, "There is a special pleasure in holding a book, flipping its pages, and inhaling the smell of paper, which creates an emotional connection with the reading process that digital books cannot offer."
Experts believe that reading paper books helps the brain process texts better. The physical touch of the paper enhances understanding and emotional comprehension of the text.
5. Reading as a Way to Relieve Stress and Pressures
In a world full of speed and distractions, paper reading has become an effective way to relieve stress and restore mental clarity. According to a previous study, reading for just six minutes a day can reduce stress levels by up to 68%, a higher reduction than listening to music or walking.
Will Paper Books Disappear?
Despite the rapid digital advancement, it seems that paper books will not disappear anytime soon. Instead, they will remain a primary means of thinking, learning, and personal development. Young people are not returning to books just for knowledge but because they find them to be a peaceful refuge amidst the noisy digital world.
Coach Fatima Zaher concludes by saying, "A book is not just a source of knowledge; it is a space for reflection, contemplation, and escaping the pressures of digital life. With this strong return to paper reading, we can confidently say that books will remain a crucial companion for young people on their journey towards understanding and growth."
In general, while digital content continues to dominate, there remains a steady interest in paper books among certain segments of youth, indicating a diversity of reading preferences in the digital age.
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