One of my favorite forms of self-care is diving into a really good physical book. I’ve always considered myself a book nerd. I’m definitely one of those annoying people who will insist that the book was better than the movie. Growing up I have had a fair share of collections when it comes to books, something I value deeply. In fact, it’s interesting to think about how the shift from old media to new media was analyzed. In “Old Media, New Media, and Knowledge” by J.D.Applen. This reading by the author Applen highlights how the shift in media has changed. Changed the way us individuals consume stories and knowledge.
My connection
Digital platforms offer such an amazing convenience when it comes to speed and accessibility. But there’s something truly unmatched about the experience of holding a book in your hands. The engagement that comes from fully immersing yourself in its story. Now I speak for myself here, as I am fully aware many individuals prefer audio books or other formats. In today’s digital world, there are countless ways to influence a text such as changing fonts, adjusting sizes, adding images. Hyperlinks connecting to social media making the reading experience more interactive and welcoming.
Applen had stated “We sense that text on a screen is more dynamic and changeable, that we can question it and interact with it, and this is akin to the give and take between participants in oral discourse, the dialectic method”. So, unlike physical books where the experience is very passive, digital media offers a more active and collaborative form of reading. It’s not just consuming information but engaging in a conversation with content.
Conclusion
I definitely agree that digital media is more interactive than a physical book. That said, I still prefer my physical books. There’s something about sitting in my chair near my window, sipping chamomile tea, with no devices around. Holding a book in my hands and reading it brings a unique experience. While it may not be as interactive as digital media, I find that I can deeply connect with the main character, almost as if I’m living their story alongside them.
Leave a Reply