Print vs. Digital
In a culture where social media is all the rage, Apple has produced it’s sixth iPhone, and face-to-face conversations are “#awkward,” it is hard to find young adults that aren’t a part of the fad.
You could say I’m pretty old school, or old fashioned, because I tend to like things of past decades, such as vinyls, and I’m not the biggest fan of what’s in right now, such as Snapchat.
Something that has crossed my mind recently about this overly technological era, is print versus online magazines or newspapers. Are they the same thing? Or do they vary? I subscribe to Relevant Magazine and their print version is vastly different from their online version. First of all, their print version appears bimonthly, while their online edition can be updated daily. Second, their layout is very different. Third, they can post videos, links, photo galleries, etc. on their online version. I think each magazine and newspaper varies between their print and online version. I think most are different, but there could be some that looks the same in print and online.
Personally, I would rather read the print version of a newspaper, magazine, book, etc. One main reason is the senses. Not necessarily taste and smell, but I love the feel of a new, crisp newspaper or the feeling of a hardcover book in your hands. The best, though, is the feeling of turning the page of a book. Also, your eyes usually do not hurt after reading printed material. However, after staring at a screen for too long, your eyes as well as your head starts to hurt. A second reason is because printed material cannot die or lose battery, like tablets, computers, and phones do. A third reason is because most printed material is much lighter than lugging around a computer or a tablet. The last reason is printed materials bring back memories and nostalgia. For example, if your mom read you a book before you went to sleep every night as a kid or if your Grandfather read the paper and drank coffee every time you were at his house.
On the other hand, there are some positives about material on technological devices rather than print. One positive is that if you are on a newspaper or magazine’s website, you can watch videos instantly or click on links or photos. Probably the best and main reason to have reading material on technological devices rather than print is because it’s convenient. For example, if is easier to travel with one tablet or one laptop rather than six books. Also, you’ll never lose your page when the page of your book is marked on a Kindle.
Another thought that has crossed my mind is will print materials be fully taken over by digital materials? Will magazines, newspapers, and even books be forced to transfer all materials over to digital? Unfortunately, I can see it happening in five to ten years. Books will be a thing of the past. Libraries will only be the ones found on computers and tablets, not down the street from your house with parks attached to them.
Your thoughts?
Until next time, Kenny G
