Introduction
Advances in the digital world have brought numerous changes to how people access information, which has certain implications for researchers and specialists from different spheres. In her article, Baron refers to past studies and her exploration of the effects that reading onscreen and in print have on students and others (17-20). Certain advantages and disadvantages of the two methods exist, and although trends in preferences for physical or online texts are inconsistent, the article’s author claims that digital technologies reshape individuals’ understanding of the reading process.
Discussion
To prove her point of view, the article’s author provides findings from her research, beginning with students’ perceptions of reading onscreen and in print. Interestingly, while it is a common belief that youth choose to read online texts, most students still prefer reading in print, not allowing their perceptions of this process to change dramatically (Baron 17). For example, the author states that “participants reported spending about two-thirds of their time reading in print, both for schoolwork and pleasure” (Baron 17). Indeed, there are differences across countries, and other factors, such as accessibility and cost of reading materials, also play a role. Still, most students are aware of the advantages of reading in print and report being more concentrated and engaged, especially with longer texts.
At the same time, some responses that the author received from her respondents prove that people’s attitudes have already been partly reshaped by increased access to digital technologies. For example, many students are more engaged online rather than in printed reading, even though their higher engagement does not lead to a better understanding of the information they receive (Baron 16). Consequently, the differences between online and physical texts make some students perceive the latter as boring, and they approach printed books with this notion in mind (Baron 18). Further, the writer refers to another interesting observation shared by one of the respondents. The student stated that “the mindset she brings to reading print involves greater (and more time-consuming) attention than the one she brings to reading digitally” (Baron 18).
Therefore, while greater efforts are needed to read in print, most people realize that it will be more advantageous and productive for them. Nevertheless, some other aspects studied by the researcher prove that digital reading is becoming more widespread. Firstly, more educational facilities assign their students tasks that involve accessing readings onscreen (Baron 15).
Secondly, the number of people creating their home libraries decreases, which is rather paradoxical considering that many still prefer reading in print, as mentioned above (Baron 18). Thirdly, the author claims that libraries now have more digital materials, and it is questionable whether the benefits such an approach provides outweigh the negative implications. Overall, all these factors allow Baron to prove that people’s perceptions of reading change, and while some resist this trend, external factors and the impact of digital reading are powerful.
Conclusion
To conclude, the article’s author effectively uses evidence to prove her thesis statement. Although many people still prefer reading in print, and the possible detrimental effects of online texts are well-known, digital technologies are actively reshaping the common perception of reading. Baron does not state that this is necessarily a negative trend but mentions that teachers, in particular, need to consider the educational implications of digital reading and provide more freedom of choice to students (16). Eventually, before conclusions about the pros and cons of online texts are studied in detail, reading onscreen and in print should be accessed with an open mind.
Work Cited
Baron, Naomi S. “Reading in a Digital Age.” The Phi Delta Kappan, vol. 99, no. 2, 2017, pp. 15-20.