E-Readers vs. Printed Books, Essay Example

The technological progress over the last few decades has been astounding and one only needs to look at the changes taking place in our academic institutions. For over a century, books have been associated with schools but now for the first time they face a threat to be substituted by another technology called e-readers. Some lament the potential loss of printed books from school culture but it is not uncommon for change to create a sense of nostalgia. But the potential replacement of printed books with e-readers is a welcome change because the potential benefits will far outweigh the costs.

Global warming has emerged as one of the major global issues and the major contributing factors towards it is an increase in carbon dioxide emissions as a result of human activities. E-readers are also superior to books because of their lower contribution towards global warming. A research study found that e-readers may help the publishing sector significantly improve their environmental sustainability record. The study found that three e-books per month over four years would only produce 168 kg of CO2 over Amazon Kindle’ lifecycle while the same number of printed books would result in 1,074 kg of CO2. The U.S. book and newspaper industries harvested 125 million trees in the year 2008 alone (Husko, 2009) and the growth of e-readers at the expense of printed books will significantly reduce the need for harvesting trees for paper products like books. Some critics may say e-readers make use of electricity but the study estimated it would take just 22.5 books per year to neutralize emissions resulting from the e-reader (LaMonica, 2009).

The supporters of printed books claim e-readers are more harmful to the eyes than printed books. But the problem doesn’t lie in e-readers but in users’ habit. Even books read in low light cause harm to the eyes over the long term. In fact, some types of paper are actually more harmful to the eyes than e-readers according to the experts. Certain types of paper such as inexpensive newsprint and soft cover books cause more strain on the eyes than electronic devices like e-readers. In addition, technology continues to improve and display technologies continue to become less tiring for the eyes (Bilton, 2010).

E-readers are also better than books because they are convenient for users. Today, e-readers have become so lightweight that they weigh even less than a single college or high school textbook. In addition, an e-reader can accommodate thousands of books if not more. The growing popularity of e-readers as well as their embrace by schools would mean children do not have to carry heavy backpacks on their shoulders which could result in poor postures and backaches (The Nemours Foundation). It may also be that e-readers encourage reading habit among children and adults because of their convenience and portability. In addition, users can download thousands of books on their e-readers, thus, there would always be something to suit their interest whenever they are in the mood for reading.

It is clear that e-readers are superior to printed books because their benefits more than outweigh the costs. E-readers are not only good for the environment but they may also encourage reading habit among children and adults. In addition, e-readers may also help children and adults avoid many problems that may result from carrying heavy books or backpack.

References

Bilton, N. (2010, February 12). Do E-Readers Cause Eye Strain? Retrieved April 19, 2014, from http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/12/do-e-readers-cause-eye-strain/

Husko, J. (2009, August 31). Are E-Readers Greener Than Books? Retrieved April 19, 2014, from http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/31/are-e-readers-greener-than-books/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0

LaMonica, M. (2009, August 28). Study paints Kindle e-reader a dark shade of green. Retrieved April 19, 2014, from http://www.cnet.com/news/study-paints-kindle-e-reader-a-dark-shade-of-green/

The Nemours Foundation. (n.d.). Backpack Safety. Retrieved April 19, 2014, from http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/outdoor/backpack.html