The Effects of Digital Technology on Reading. E-book or a book
with the smell of printing ink? As some researchers show, digital reading has some positive
effects too, especially when it is a secondary source of
information, the main one being the reading in printed format
of essential works for knowledge on the subject of interest. If
reading in the classic, printed format is a tranquil and “at
leisure” one that you can pause at any time to reflect on the
reading, the digital browsing of texts or hypertext is rapid,
definitive, against the clock, the speed sometimes being
imposed by the scrolling of information, by the program or the
application. Digital reading is a superficial reading and
affects deep reflection, critical analysis, deductive thinking,
creativity and the ability to intuitively solve existential
problems. True reading is a “plurisensory” experience that
addresses the brain and the heart, while the sight of the text,
the touch of the page, the smell of printing ink, the
calligraphy of the letters, even the empty spaces on the page,
all contribute to the efficiency of reading and learning. A
discerning attitude is needed, which Christian spirituality
recommends for all the realities in the midst of which we spend
our lives. And regarding the ethical aspects related to our
relationship with technology, specialists emphasize our need
for a direct, immediate relationship with the world of books.
Reading can be a source of soul well-being and happiness. IOAN C. TEŞU |
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