Why a Tactile Paper Experience Can Calm Our Souls
By Maryann Gibbons, APM Editorial Director
“And e-readers fail to re-create certain tactile experiences of reading on paper, the absence of which some find unsettling.”[^1]
↑ Read that again ↑
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↑ Read that again ↑ 〰️
And yes, the irony is not lost on me delivering this news via a digital blog.
In our thirst to seek out creatives and their content that can captivate your attention, we wanted to take the time to point out the research that shows that in a world where it’s impossible to disconnect totally, we can significantly benefit from a paper date.
In the essay “Why Paper is Eternal,” William Powers argues that solitude and uninterrupted time for reflection is essential for creativity, self-discovery, and personal growth. He suggests that paper-based activities, such as reading books or writing in a journal, can facilitate such moments of solitude more effectively than digital devices. [^2]
Earth-shattering revelations are not anticipated. But still, maybe a pat on the back is in order for being generous to your soul when you open up a book, put pen to paper, or feel less guilty about not being glued to your devices.
Some additional intriguing facts that underscore the advantages of integrating tactile paper experiences into your weekly routine:Magazines often include photographs, illustrations, and infographics alongside text. Visual stimulation can enhance comprehension, memory retention, and overall engagement with the material.
Physical books can evoke a stronger emotional connection with the content and the reading experience itself. Baron suggests that the tactile experience of turning pages and the sensory aspects of handling a book contribute to this emotional connection. [^3]
Readers tend to comprehend and retain information better when reading from printed books compared to digital screens. [^4]
Resources for further exploration:"How We Read Now: Strategic Choices for Print, Screen, and Audiobooks" by Naomi S. Baron
Proust and the Squid and “Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World” by Maryanne Wolf
How to look at art (and have a perception-altering experience) Life Kit Podcast
Song: “Magazine” by Heart (Spotify)
[^1] Jabr, F. (2013, November 1). The Reading Brain in the Digital Age: Why Paper Still Beats Screens. Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-reading-brain-in-the-digital-age-why-paper-still-beats-screens/
[^2] Powers, W. (2006). Hamlet's Blackberry: Why Paper Is Eternal. Retrieved from https://dash.harvard.edu/handle/1/37375930
[^3] Baron, N. S. (2015). Words Onscreen: The Fate of Reading in a Digital World. Oxford University Press.
[^4] Rosen, L. D., & Carrier, L. M. (2013). The benefits of hardcopy over digital reading. Educational Psychology Review, 25(1), 69-89.
Lastly, we must plug the fact that there are less than 20 ISSUES are left of our inaugural New England Print Project | Issue 01.
If you want to get Issue 01 for yourself or someone else before we run out, enter code: LEMONZESTDESK at check out for free shipping until the end of February ‘24.
