I think that living in the 21st century we can all admit that electronics make our lives easier in some way or another, am I right? Therefore, it should be obvious that digital resources can offer advantages that paper cannot. That being said, when it comes to learning, science and knowledge suggests that paper helps with productivity in ways that digital just cannot compete.
Below are some of the reasons why paper is more effective than digital when it comes to productivity.
While reading digitally, whether it is a desktop, laptop, tablet, or even an e-reader, distractions are inevitable. While you’re on a digital platform you are connected in some form or another. It is very easy for your mind to veer off and redirect focus elsewhere than the task-at-hand.
Helps us Learn
Reading paper and writing are more effective ways of learning and remembering. The act of mimicking this with the use of a laptop is inferior in comparison to the use of pen and paper. Henriette Anne Klaurser, author or “Write it Down, Make it Happen”, concludes that “writing triggers the reticular activating system (RAS), which in turn sends a signal to the cerebral cortex: ‘Wake up! Pay attention! Don’t miss that detail! Once you write down a goal, your brain will be working overtime to see you get it, and will alert you to the signs and signals […] were there all along.”
Better for you
As stated by Scientific American screens drain our mental resources while we are reading and makes it more difficult to remember what we read when we are done. Not only that, but we stare at screens all day. Think about it, ATM’s, TV’s, smartphones, computers are all screens. This can be strenuous on the eyes. Even though we may not notice the flickering on all of the screens we stare at on a regular basis, it is happening.