I get that there are benefits to reading and all but what I find weird is the idea that no matter what you are reading, as long as you are reading, is a better use of your time than documentary on the same subject or playing a game?
Why? What does reading have that makes it much better? And is it really better no matter the content?
As someone who used to read a lot, many books I’ve read have been erased from my brain the same way I have with movies, and I don’t really see a difference
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Hey there, I’m a linguist and language teacher, and literacy is actually a pretty interesting concept neurologically. Basically, your brain has to decode written script and associate it with the language lexicon that you know. This means that your brain not only decodes the meaning of a word, but also the correct pronunciation and any connotations that that word has based on context or past experience. Keep in mind this is all happening at a remarkably fast level in literate people. It has also been observed that there are physiological differences in the brains of literate people vs non-literate people. Your brain has to build and make neurological connections in order to read.
So when people say it’s a better use of your time, they’re not incorrect. It’s an excellent way to stimulate your mind and keep it sharp. Watching TV just doesn’t have the same function but perhaps video games do because there is an element of reaction and awareness, but that’s just my hunch.
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