Is reading online better than actually reading a book in your hands?

[alexia]

I have recently stare to read books online and really enjoy it! But,honestly,I am scared that I will have vision problems(I have blue eyes). Still,I feel like more freely cause I can read wherever,whenever. Any thoughts??

[Marie.]

Uhh you might have vision problems coz I started reading books online and had to get glasses. But that might just be coz I used to read in dark on a small screen with small font so I don't really know

[alexia]

Well,I read on my laptop and zoom the whole page very much,but still I don’t know if it’s ok. Today I read a whole book,like 7-8 hours straight or something

[TheNiceBookReviewer]

I prefer paper books to ebooks 100%. Yet I still find myself giving in because kindle books are always cheaper (unless second hand) but my vision has been a bit dodge my whole life but over the past couple of years it is much worse :/ also why does having blue eyes mean you have vision probelms??

[Maureen]

Play with the display to reduce any eye strain you might be experiencing. You can enlarge the font size, reverse the color from light to dark mode (my personal preference on regular monitors), or switch to a kindle device which imitates reading on off white paper with no glare. There are also stings to limit blue light.

[Jennifer]

I love reading the actual book in my hands which is why I have my whole mini library lol. But it is convenient reading online and even to just have a kindle and take it everywhere and read multiple of books. Nonetheless will still go with option 1

[Hannahhh ;) [free palestine]]

I prefer physical books for the vibes but ebooks are so convenient, especially when travelling bc it saves so much space in a bag or suitcase bc then you don’t have to bring as many (or any) physical books.

[alexia]

Thanks so much for the thoughts! I am a book-in-her-hands girl and have a spectacular library,but I’ve just discovered the addictive world of online books and I have been a bit crazy for reading for hours in front of the laptop. Actually,I’m going to reduce drastically my time reading ebooks,because I don’t wanna get glasses. Anyway,I think I will buy a kindle just in case <33

[Sai :)]

I like paper books better but its easier to find an ebook than an actual book. you can just search up so-and-so free pdf

[Jada]

Paper provides a sensory experience you don't get with digital books. The smell, the texture—it just doesn't compare.

[ella]

paper books 100%. I wouldn't be able to focus if I were reading online

[Jada]

Exactly!

[sarah ౨ৎ]

I used to love paper but i got into online since im too broke to buy all the books i wanted

but i dont mind online at all like its pretty fun too you cant really mark pages or make notes like you do on paper like u can highlight and stuff like that but i feel like its more personalized

Either way im starting to get into audiobooks now and I like it wayyy more especially that I can do stuff while listening for example crochetting but this is off-topic

anyways I would go for paper books tho

[Avery]

I'm totally an online reading convert. It's like having a personal librarian at your fingertips, minus the pesky library fines. Sure, I miss the tactile experience of turning pages and highlighting passages, but hey, online reading is like having a custom-made book that's always the perfect temperature and lighting.

[Yassin]

I prefer actual books but I don't have that luxury in my country.

[Elita ₊✩ˎˊ˗]

Physical books > ebooks

I love the feel of holding a book in my hands. It makes the reading experience so much better for some reason idk I just get way more into the story. I love collecting them to make a mini library. Annotating & being cutesy with them is also super fun lol

I use ebooks when I’m out of the house without my book, want to chill with the lights off or when I’m too sick to sit up straight to hold the book in my hands. I like how convenient they are, but it doesn’t hold a candle to physical books for me.

[Avery]

Elita ₊✩ˎˊ˗ wrote: "Physical books > ebooks

I love the feel of holding a book in my hands. It makes the reading experience so much better for some reason idk I just get way more into the story. I love collecting them..."

I appreciate what you are saying Elita. I like that I can carry with me on my phone, a library of over 1,000 books. Who would of thunk it 30 years ago.

[Ilse]

Nothing beats a physical book, but I will read ebooks if I can't get the physical copy.

[Benji]

I completely understand the concern about your vision, especially since blue eyes can sometimes be more sensitive to light. Here’s some alluring advice to help you strike a balance between enjoying your reading and protecting your eyes:

1. Adjust Your Screen Settings
One of the great things about reading on a device is that you can customize the settings to be gentler on your eyes. Try turning on night mode or dark mode, which reduces the brightness and switches the background to a darker shade. You can also adjust the brightness to match the lighting around you, making it more comfortable.

Pro Tip: If your Kindle or reading app allows it, use a sepia or softer tone for the background. It’s easier on the eyes than bright white!

2. Take Breaks—The 20-20-20 Rule
To avoid eye strain, practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a break and helps them relax. It’s a simple habit that can make a big difference.

3. Use Blue Light Filters
Blue light from screens can be more harsh on your eyes, especially if you’re reading for long periods. You can install a blue light filter on your device or get glasses that block blue light. Many devices even have a “blue light reduction” mode that you can turn on, especially at night, to ease the strain on your eyes.

4. Set the Mood—Dim the Lights
Reading in a softly lit room with minimal glare can reduce eye strain. Position your light source behind you or at an angle that doesn’t reflect on the screen. This way, you create a cozy, relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for diving into a good book without tiring your eyes.

5. Hydrate Your Eyes
Screens can sometimes make your eyes feel dry, especially if you don’t blink as often while reading. Keep eye drops handy to refresh your eyes if they feel tired. Staying hydrated by drinking water also helps keep your eyes comfortable!

6. Optimize Font Size and Spacing
Adjust the font size to something that feels comfortable without making you squint or strain. Many e-readers let you change the line spacing and margins as well, which can make the text easier to read and reduce fatigue.

7. Listen to Your Body
If you ever feel your eyes getting tired or strained, it’s okay to take a break. You can switch to an audiobook for a while and still enjoy your story without the screen time. That way, you’re giving your eyes a well-deserved rest while staying immersed in your book.

8. The Joy of Freedom
Remember, the beauty of e-books is the freedom they offer—lightweight, portable, and accessible wherever you are. You get to carry your entire library with you and read whenever the mood strikes. So, embrace that joy and savor the flexibility!

While you may have some sensitivity due to your blue eyes, as long as you’re mindful of these tips, you can enjoy reading on your Kindle without worrying too much about long-term effects. It’s all about finding the balance between indulging in your passion for reading and caring for your vision.

[Deenur]

If I'm doing a study, like a class or research, ebook is fine. But if I am trying to relax, nothing beats a physical book. 🙂

[alice (lana del rey's version)]

both are fine. i do like reading on my kindle because i can get definitions and stuff easily (and its also super portable), but i prefer books. it just feels nice reading an actual book and seeing your physical progress through it, and it also means i can read it late at night

[Ella✨(booktrovert)]

no, I love reading physical books a lot more.

[Kara McArrie]

I’ve always struggled with reading on screens for too long. I used to read a lot of fanfics on Wattpad, but I’d usually stop after just a few chapters because my eyes would get tired. When I first started getting into fiction five years ago, I tried using a Kindle—and honestly, it kind of ruined the experience for me. For a while, I even thought, ‘Why is reading so overhyped?’ (Yeah, that was a phase.) Then I bought a physical copy of the same book I was reading on the Kindle, and that’s when the addiction started.

There’s something special about holding a real book. Sure, I cringe a little when the spine cracks or when a page accidentally folds, and I always find myself struggling to make room for another haul on my already-packed bookshelves. But the weight, the pages—it all adds to the experience. Plus, I found studies that show readers of print books tend to absorb and remember more of the plot than those who read e-books, and that makes sense to me.

But hey, I get it—it’s not the same for everyone. I have a friend who swears by e-books and prefers them over physical copies, and that’s totally cool. Different strokes for different folks, right? Some people love the convenience of e-readers, especially with lower e-book prices and their portability while traveling. For me, though, nothing beats the feeling of turning an actual page.

[Lisa]

I prefer paper books myself.

[alice (lana del rey's version)]

whenever i can, i like to read paper books but a kindle is portable so i can read when travelling

[JuneBug (reading slump)]

It depends. Online you can more easily find you spot or search for key words in book plus if it’s on you phone it’s more accessible, if your the type of person that gets embarrassed or is just private no one can see what your read or that you’re reading, and it’s easier to travel with, but screen do give headaches.

[Quel]

I love holding books but I'm always running around and I hate the risk of bringing my book out of my safe space LOL and I can't guarantee that I'll finish the read.

KU is clutch though because sometimes I'll just read it there and if I love love the book I'll get a physical copy.

[amanda frekot]

i personally think ebooks r more conveniont, bc im the tye of person that brings like 5 books on vacation, but paper books r always the preferance.

[Mackenzie]

I will forever choose paper copies. They just have my whole heart

[Evan]

NOOOO reading a physical copy of a book will always be better!