Two Sides U.S. Survey: More Respondents Prefer Reading from Paper Than Screens

The Two Sides survey shows that 68 percent of respondents believe that books are more likely to encourage learning and the development of other skills than using screens, and that 63 percent of respondents worry that children are not going to learn as much without books.

While acceptance of digital media is generally stronger among younger age-groups, there is also a strong preference for print on paper existing across all ages.

The full U.S. survey report can be downloaded here.

Key findings from the Two Sides U.S. Survey:

1—88 percent of respondents believe that they understand and can retain or use information better when they read print on paper. There were only minor differences between age groups. Reading on screen shows lower preference with the lowest being 41 percent indicating that mobiles and smartphones were useful for understanding and retaining information.

2—When given a choice, 81 percent indicated that they prefer to read print on paper. These percentages drop to 39 percent for screens, laptops and PCs, 30 percent for e-readers and 22 percent for mobiles or smartphones. The preference for print on paper is seen across all age groups and is strong at over 77 percent.

3—81 percent indicated they are most relaxed when reading print on paper. Age group differences were minor. Mobiles or smartphones are seen as the least relaxing way to read with only 30 percent preferring this method. Younger age groups indicated that they are more at ease with reading from screens than the over 45 age groups.

4—71 percent indicated that they were more relaxed and receptive when reading a newspaper in print compared to 36 percent who felt more relaxed and receptive when reading a newspaper from a screen. There were differences across age groups, however even younger age groups clearly preferred print over online.