By Keely Spillane
Recently, I have become reacquainted with the joy of reading. Throughout college it was difficult for me to simply read for pleasure. I was, of course studying or attending class. Well, to be completely honest I was most likely at a party, getting ready for a party or sleeping. As I’ve gotten older, however, reading a good book has become one of the best parts of my day and I owe it all to my iPad.
Before I realized the convenience and simplicity of downloading an e-book, I wasn’t reading at all. What a hassle it is to read an actual book these days. Finding a bookstore (there really aren’t that many anymore), going to said bookstore (usually far away because I’m telling you there really aren’t that many anymore) and having to go through the whole process all over again once I finish the book. Now that I can purchase a book on Amazon and have it delivered directly my mobile computing devices, I read everywhere – walking to work, on the bus and in my bed.
According to a study from Pew Research, I am not alone. Pew found that a typical e-book user read 24 books in 2011, compared with the 15 books reported by typical non e-book users. Furthermore, a third of people who read e-content say they now spend more time reading than they did before e-books. These results are not at all surprising to me given that during the last six months I’ve already read eight books, which is 100 percent more than the number I read in 2011.
Additionally, the report indicates that with the cost of e-reading devices dropping, it’s likely that in the next year or two companies like Amazon may be giving away basic e-readers for free. This opens up more opportunities for all consumers – regardless of income – to access the same information, entertainment and education as people with middle to upper class incomes. So while e-books started out a novelty only afforded to those lucky early technology adopters, they have evolved into a great equalizer across boundaries of financial resources.
While e-readers give people like me the opportunity to be even lazier than before, also they spur reading among young adults. Basically I’m helping promote literacy and improve the economy. Well, no, but at least I’m reading.
A little bit about me: Mobile enthusiast, interested in how devices work and where the tech industry is headed. In my free time you will find me: YouTube watching, mobile shopping and eReading. If you need to reach me: Text. Anything worth saying can be said in less than 20 words.
