How Reading Habits Were Affected by the Internet

Reading on the Internet should really have only positive effect to a reader's habit. Without opening the pages of books or newspapers, you are able to read about interesting topics, fresh news, and any kind of information.

The news from around the different parts of the world can be read on the Internet anytime. More often than not, you don't have to wait for the newspapers anymore. Anyone who uses RSS feed learns about the latest news in advance. Within seconds, you can find an article through searching the Google news.

However, a lot of people are starting to speculate on the credibility and validity of the news found on the web. Some newspaper companies claim that the online news articles are deliberately written with a bit of exaggeration to make them catchy and attention-grabbing. This claim is highly debatable though. But people are starting to realize that the Internet is not a reliable source of true and correct information at all times.

Without going to a library or a bookstore, you can find books to read on Amazon or other websites which sell books online. While learning to read, the Internet is good for getting kids interested on studying. There is a wide choice of reading materials on the Internet that the kids can choose from. Short stories with colorful 3D drawings and animated illustrations often hold the attention of kids longer than books. Indeed, the Internet offers a great wealth of wisdom for those who want to learn.

On my personal opinion, reading on the Internet should not be the only source of knowledge and information for anyone. It should depend on the need of the moment, and also the mood.

If you read because you want to relax, you must find a good book and a comfortable chair. Reading while sitting outside in the garden, and while the birds chirp and bees hum around, your tired body and mind will be fully recharged in no time at all.

I do not recommend reading on the Internet before bedtime. Staring on the computer screen for long periods of time is not healthy. This habit is not good for the eyes. The easy accessibility of the Internet allows you to browse as many websites as you like. Thus, stimulating the brain and keeping you awake when you should be sleeping.

Reading a book in bed is more conducive to sleep, not because books are dull and uninteresting. The computer monitor emits out bright light and flickering images, which make the mind active.

Obviously, reading on the Internet is a lot different from reading a book. Even a good e-book could not replace the enjoyment that you will get from a real book. Some things just cannot be copied in perfection by modern technology because something gets lost in the process.