In the article, Ms Gates noted that there is a big difference, brain-wise, between reading printed books and digital ones; one involves reading in "a linear fashion," and the other "in an F pattern." So ...?
The research indicates that reading digital books can lead to the loss of some important components of reading, some of which involve comprehension, memory, and retention. Ah, there's the "Oops."
There is also the tactile sense of actually holding a book while reading, and the way the pages unfold as we progress through a book, as compared to being "limited to one ephemeral virtual page."
Based on this startling new information, (new to me, at least), I decided to revert to reading my dust jacket editions as an experiment and, so far, I am enjoying the novelty of reading them again.
Am I planning to box up my e-reader and stow it among my other "things' now. Well, honestly, no. I quite like the convenience of my my portable digital library; soooo many volumes always at the ready.
At this point, I am enjoying the smell and the feel of printed books again, especially whenever I'm at home, at the library, or in a bookstore. Otherwise, when I'm out and about, I read my e-reader.
Regardless of which format I choose, I have the hope that the very act of reading will help to stave off Alzheimer's, reduce my stress, keep my brain in good form, and so forth ... at least to some degree.
If you are interested in reading the article I am citing for yourself, it can be found at: http://mic.com/articles/99408/science-has-great-news-for-people-who-read-actual-books
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