Reading Should be Analogue

Physical books are tactile, create memory, and tech does not have barakah. Check Analog vs Digital Note Taking. Only reference books should be on eInk. Core books should be physical. Quran should be physical, both the portable and at-home version.

Detailed reasons:

• You see physical books and shelves and see how much you've read
• You're more likely to re-read your notes
• Your family could see them, and get inspired to read, has positive correlation with educated children.
• You could give as gifts,
• Studies say you absorb more from physical books
  • They are easier on the eyes
  • They are better for sleep hygiene (because you're not on a device at night )
• It's an experience
• Library is tied to better idea generation and creativity
• People on screens learn less, 49 separate studies (a meta analysis)
• Reading on paper is like exploring a landscape, building a mental map, skimming, re-reading. Digital readers read linearly. Embodied anchoring uses the spatial patterns like coffee stains on the page. It's a multi-sensory experience.
• Reading on paper activates beta and gamma waves, prefrontal cortex shows less activity. Digital reading activates theta and alpha waves associating with idling.
• Print readers read faster.
• There's a shallowing effect on screens, digital screens are associated with skimming and looking for keywords. The media encourages superficial processing.
• Confidence trap: digital readers feel more confident but perform low.

Arguments for Digital:

• Your read more
• Cal Newport: Use all formats don't overthink it. All have their own benefits.
• Books are expensive
• Audio is even faster
• For anything that's not complex or doesn't require retention digital is fine