Reading Content vs. Watching Videos - Find The Efficient One

1. Why Should You Still Stick With Reading Content Over Watching Videos?

2. Introduction With the introduction of new technology, watching videos has become a popular trend, challenging the traditional reading culture. These advancements are revolutionising the way information is presented, putting books in direct competition. Before the emergence of video technology, reading science, or the science of reading, was the dominant form of obtaining information, and books were hailed as the most reliable, convenient, and accurate medium.

3. This promoted a widespread reading culture. Libraries, found in almost every town, served as the usual place to access books. In fact, it was common for homes and institutions to have their own collections, as people recognized the value of learning from books. Undoubtedly, books have long been revered as one of the most popular sources of information. However, as technology advances, so does our way of learning.

4. Website content is preferred over video content. Though nowadays video content has its own value, some people prefer website content. Just as there is a preference for video among the 18–24 age range, other audiences may have a strong preference for written content. For example, older individuals often opt for reading website content over watching videos. When targeting an older demographic, it may be beneficial to provide written content, such as a blog post. Considering the habits and needs of your specific audience is vital now to preparing the content. Website content has its value.

5. Reading Books Over Watching Video: The ease of making videos today has endangered the existence of books but does this mean that books have lost their value? Let’s find out why reading the content over watching videos still dominates:

6. Efficiency of Extracting Information ➢ ➢ A prevalent sentiment is that reading books helps in extracting information. Videos require more time to convey the information. However, while reading, when there are some common topics about which one is already educated, readers skim through the content until they encounter new information about what they want to know. Video content may not afford the quick navigation that reading allows. Control and Flexibility ➢ ➢ The beauty of reading lies in its ability to provide complete control and adaptability. With the option to adjust the reading pace, learners can effectively absorb the material at their own speed. On the other hand, videos often have a predetermined pace, limiting the individual’s ability to customise the learning experience according to their understanding and comfort level.

7. Accessibility and Indexing ➢ ➢ Another notable advantage of written content is its accessibility and indexing. With books, articles, and online resources, individuals can easily refer back to specific sections for further review. This feature allows for quick access and efficient reevaluation of information. In comparison, videos lack the same indexing and random access capabilities, making written materials a better choice for referencing.” Cognitive Absorption Rates ➢ ➢ According to research, reading has been found to have a higher level of cognitive absorption compared to watching videos. This can be attributed to the use of speed-reading techniques and the ability to quickly absorb and process information, making the learning process more efficient for avid readers. Although videos can be informative, they may not match the level of cognitive absorption achieved through reading.

8. High Engagement With Text ➢ ➢ Another advantage of reading is the ability to actively engage with text, through note-taking, underlining, or annotating. involvement creates a more immersive learning experience for some individuals, which may not be fully attained through watching videos. Such active

9. Why is learning from videos not the best idea? The consensus among experts is that videos may not be the best method for learning programming. Reading, particularly in a text-based format, is seen as more effective due to its ability to facilitate analysis and easy revisitation of content. The article from Business Insider highlights the drawbacks of video consumption, such as disrupted sleep, a craving for instant gratification, and mental fog. In contrast, reading is praised as a healthier activity that offers deeper, more fulfilling gratification compared to the quick entertainment of binge-watching television. complex subjects like

10. An in-depth study by Professor Patricia A. Alexander and Ph.D. candidate Lauren M. Singer shows that students retain information better when it's presented in print rather than video, especially for shorter texts. This suggests that despite the shift towards a paperless society, printed materials remain valuable in education. Supporting this, a 2013 study by Professor Gregory Berns and Kristina Blaine utilized fMRI technology to examine the effects of reading on the brain, revealing significant increases in brain connectivity related to language and sensory-motor functions while students engaged with the novel "Pompeii" by Robert Harris.

11. Fascinatingly, it appeared that reading had a stimulating effect on the sensory-motor region, leading students to vicariously experience the events of the story and highlighting the profound impact of reading on brain activity. Moreover, the benefits of reading extend beyond cognitive enhancement.

12. Researchers from the University of Sussex found that just six minutes of reading can reduce stress levels by 68%, outperforming other methods like drinking tea or coffee (54%) and taking a walk (42%). This highlights reading's significant psychological benefits. In a survey by Harris Poll for Pearson, YouTube was the preferred learning method for 59% of 14-23-year-olds, while only 47% favored reading. This trend reflects the influence of growing up in the digital age on learning preferences.

13. Final Thoughts: The preference for reading over watching videos stems from the practicality, sense of agency, and adaptability of text-based learning. While videos have their advantages, especially for conveying broad concepts and practical examples, reading allows for quicker information processing, easy revisiting of material, and active engagement with content. Overall, text-based learning remains favored by many students, but it's important to recognize diverse learning styles and choose the most appropriate medium based on the content and individual preferences.