In the digital age, how we read has transformed dramatically — but how does this shift impact us psychologically? To explore the cognitive and emotional differences between physical and digital reading, I spoke with Khushi Patel, who holds a PhD in reading and has a background in psychology. She shared insights on how factors like memory, comprehension, and psychological ownership shape our reading experience and how evolving technology continues to blur the lines between print and digital. Our conversation, edited for clarity and length, offers a deeper look at these shifting dynamics.
Q: How does reading a physical book differ from reading a digital book?
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Patel: “There are a lot of psychological and cognitive differences between the two. Physical books provide a multisensory experience — you’re turning pages, feeling the texture, even smelling the paper. That interaction creates a richer connection with the material. Digital books, on the other hand, often involve scrolling and prolonged screen exposure, which can cause eye strain and make reading less comfortable over time.
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Cognitively, physical books help readers create mental maps, which improves memory and recall. Since digital reading often includes distractions — notifications, hyperlinks, multitasking — it can lead to more skimming and less deep comprehension. However, digital books have their advantages too. Features like adjustable fonts, built-in dictionaries, and note-taking tools can enhance readability, especially for people with visual impairments or learning difficulties.
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It’s also worth noting that research in this area is still evolving. Some studies may be biased based on who participates — older adults, for example, may not be as accustomed to digital reading, which could skew results.”
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Q: Do readers retain more information from physical books?
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Patel: “Some studies suggest they do, mainly because print encourages deeper cognitive processing and reduces cognitive overload. That said, retention depends on more than just the format. Factors like reading purpose, content difficulty, and the reader’s familiarity with digital books all play a role. Some digital-native readers have adapted strategies to retain information just as effectively. Also, technology is changing — e-ink screens and distraction-free reading modes might help bridge the gap between print and digital in the future.”
Q: Are there cognitive or emotional benefits to reading physical books?
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Patel: “Yes! Many readers report that physical books make reading more immersive and mindful. The act of flipping pages and holding a book creates a ritualistic experience that some people find comforting.
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On the flip side, digital reading — especially on backlit screens — has been linked to higher eye strain and fatigue, which can make deep reading harder. But again, it’s not one-size-fits-all. Some digital interfaces are designed to support engagement and comprehension, so while print may feel more natural for many, digital is constantly improving.”
Q: What about the difference between flipping pages and scrolling?
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Patel: “Flipping pages helps readers establish mental landmarks, which can aid comprehension and recall. Scrolling disrupts those fixed reference points, requiring constant repositioning of text, which may increase cognitive load. Plus, scrolling has been linked to lower reading engagement — there’s just something about the motion that makes it easier to skim rather than absorb.
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That said, studies mostly look at short-term reading habits, so long-term adaptation to scrolling could lessen these disadvantages over time. Younger readers, for example, may develop ways to compensate for any cognitive challenges posed by scrolling.”
Q: Why do people feel so attached to physical books?
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Patel: “Physical books often carry sentimental value. They represent knowledge, nostalgia, and personal identity. The sensory experience — how they smell, how they age — evokes emotions and reinforces attachment. Many people also see bookshelves as a reflection of their intellectual journey. With that being said, cultural shifts could change this. Younger generations raised with digital media may develop similar attachments to digital collections.”
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Q: How does the concept of ownership influence book format preferences?
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Patel: “Ownership plays a huge role! A physical book feels permanent — you can hold it, lend it, and display it. Digital books, however, come with licensing restrictions. You don’t truly own them in the same way, which can make them feel less valuable. That’s why some readers hesitate to fully embrace digital.
However, digital platforms are evolving. Subscription services like Kindle Unlimited and better annotation and sharing tools are changing how people perceive digital ownership, said Patel. Over time, our attachment to digital books may grow.”
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Q: How does psychological ownership differ between print and digital books?
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Patel: “Psychological ownership is all about the feeling that something is truly yours. Physical books foster that because they’re tangible and can be personalized. Digital books, being intangible and subject to restrictions, often feel more temporary.
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However, context matters. A borrowed library book, for example, might not feel as owned as a personally purchased digital book with notes and highlights. Some platforms are also improving digital ownership through better collection management and sharing features.”
Final Thoughts
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Patel: “The debate between physical and digital books isn’t about one being inherently better than the other — it’s about context and individual needs. For example, comprehension and retention are influenced by the reader’s interest and prior knowledge, not just the format. A reader deeply engaged with a topic will retain information well, regardless of whether they’re reading in print or digital.
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Also, digital books are advancing rapidly. Interactive features, AI-driven personalized reading experiences, and assistive technology tools (like text-to-speech or customizable fonts) make digital reading more accessible than ever. But print still holds advantages, especially for deep focus and sensory connection.
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The future of reading isn’t about choosing one over the other — it’s about enhancing both so readers can access formats that best suit their needs.”