In a world where screens and digital distractions are ubiquitous, the act of reading a physical book may seem like a relic of the past. However, a growing body of research suggests that reading physical books, with a focus and time to pause and re-read, can have significant benefits for critical thinking, deduction, and inference, as well as empathy.
One theory that has emerged in recent years is that the deep focus required when reading a physical book can lead to a greater ability to understand and engage with complex information. This is in contrast to the shallow reading that often occurs when reading on screens, where constant notifications and distractions can fragment our attention and make it difficult to fully absorb what we’re reading.
According to a study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, deep reading, defined as the process of attentively, actively and meaningfully engaging with a text, has been found to improve brain connectivity, especially in areas associated with language and sensory processing. Furthermore, as the theory of deep reading argues, when we’re engaged in deep reading, we’re actually encouraging critical thinking, reflective thoughts and better understanding of the inner workings of the mind.
Another study, conducted by researchers at the University of Liverpool, found that people who read physical books scored higher on measures of empathy than those who primarily read digital texts. This is thought to be due to the fact that when reading a physical book, readers are more likely to engage with the story on an emotional level, which can foster empathy and understanding for characters and their experiences.
Some experts also argue that the act of physically handling a book can also have a positive impact on our mental and emotional well-being. Holding a book in our hands and turning its pages can create a sense of connection and intimacy with the text that simply isn’t possible when reading on a screen.
It’s worth mentioning that this is not a call to abandon digital reading altogether, and it’s certainly not to say that digital reading is less worthy, but rather, a call to be mindful of how we consume information, and the implications of the format in which we do it. As with most things in life, balance is key.
In an era where technology is inescapable, reading physical books can be a refreshing and beneficial change of pace. By promoting deep focus and reflection, physical books can help to foster critical thinking, deduction, inference, and empathy. As such, it’s worth considering incorporating them into your daily routine as a way to engage with the world and others in a more meaningful way.