The Paper Paradox: Why Does Print Have Such an Emotional Connection?
I have been a full-time employee of Villing & Company for a few months now and have also been declared an official college graduate for the same amount of time. Something I've noticed within this short time span is that I use a fair amount of paper - and I guess ink, for that matter. What I mean is I print a fair amount. In a world that stresses paperless everything, encouraging everyone to reduce their carbon footprint, here I am printing what sometimes feels like a whole forest of paper. Don't worry; it's not really the amount of a forest. Probably more like Charlie Brown's Christmas tree.
I scan the web on a daily basis, searching for social media content and oftentimes find a few gems relating to the industry that I think I need to hold on to. So I print. Then it goes into a file I have which is used solely for articles I have printed out and need to go over again with a highlighter. This is how I have essentially been conditioned to learn. I didn't own one textbook in college that I didn't highlight or scribble little notes in the margins. The information I need to know has always been sitting in front of me on a piece of paper. And I sort of like it that way. Maybe I'm getting a little bit weird, but dare I go so far as to say I become emotionally attached? Now that piece of paper has within it my handwriting, my thoughts, my doodles – it's an extension of me.
Before starting this post, I thought I was one of the few who actually preferred learning on traditional paper over digital. Then I came across an article titled Millennials Still Read Books and Go to the Library with statistics and a supporting quote that made me feel a little less lonesome. One of the statistics reveals: "...despite the meteoric sales of tablets and e-readers and the rise of digital texts, traditional print books are still the way most younger Americans read. A full 75 percent still read traditional print books, compared to only 19 percent who read e-books." The article quoted a fellow twenty-something: "'As much as I love using my Kindle, I would find it devastating if the library were to dramatically reduce its print collection,' noting that she loves 'the feel of physical books.'"
Are you finding it difficult to transition into the paperless era? What have you done to make it easier on yourself? Suggestions and tips are appreciated ☺ Feel free to reach out on our Facebook page.
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