Are Audiobooks as Good for You as Reading?
It’s not cheating! Listening to an audiobook is still reading—you’re just doing it with your ears. It’s another method of absorbing words and enjoying literature.
Many years ago, when technological advances were just reeling in, people thought that a “talking book,” which was audiobook’s previous name, was just a figment of Walt Disney’s imagination. But when the first audiobook was created, the buzz transformed from people asking if it was possible into them asking what is an audiobook. Many articles were created explaining what it is and what it does. However, do we really know if audiobooks are good for us? Or are anti-audiobook supporters right in saying that it doesn’t benefit its users? Time for some rational information sleuthing then.
Reading vs Audiobooks: The battle of advantages
Debates have been waged between pro-audiobooks and anti-audiobooks for a long time now. Some have found a way to accommodate each other’s perspective, but some just can’t seem to make peace. So when it comes to advantages, both formats boast a number on their side. Let’s take a look at the advantages of reading first—igniting creativity by expanding your imagination, which may be its greatest asset. As you read the words and turn the pages of a physical book, you get to play the scenarios in your mind and stimulate the neurons. It also improves your focus and concentration as it develops your vocabulary. Moreover, it provides an escape when life seems too stressful to handle.
On the other hand, the advantages of audiobooks are much the same as those of reading a book. Only when you listen to a literary piece, you can also multitask. Let’s face it, in a fast-paced world, it’s a great bonus, especially for people who are always on the go. For instance, if you’re travelling, you can enjoy the view outside your window while listening to a classic Ursula Le Guin tale en route to your destination. You can also do house chores while having Sidney Sheldon’s latest thriller novel in your ears. Or practice the pronunciation of words while still engrossed in the story you’re listening to. Also, when you listen to audiobooks, all you need is a device, a headphone, and a subscription to an audiobook app. No more heavy-lifting physical book copies; no more bulkiness in your bag. Want more? You can even share the story with your family and friends effortlessly. These are the top reasons why people like audiobooks nowadays.
Okay, what does an audiobook do to us?
Audiobooks are relatively new to most people. Remember that they weren’t readily available in the market before due to its relatively high price. Now, you also know its practical advantages, but do you really know the effects of audiobooks on your life in general?
Several studies show that audiobooks provide a positive impact on different users. One study conducted by Galip Kartal and Harun Simsek entitled The Effects of Audiobooks on EFL Students’ Listening Comprehension demonstrates that audiobooks contributed to the positive development of the participants’ listening comprehension, pronunciation, and motivation. Another study performed by a nonpartisan, nonprofit research and development organization in the San Francisco Bay Area reports a significant increase in reading achievements, vocabulary, and reading motivation. The research participants were second- and third-grade students exposed to an audiobook streaming service for 20 minutes thrice a week with an additional two 20-minute sessions at home within the 10-week research period.
Last Words from This Perspective
There you go, folks! Both reading a book and listening to audiobooks have their advantages. There is no right or wrong choice in this war. So back to the question of whether an audiobook is as good for you as reading . . . well, the final verdict is up to you—depending on your circumstances or preferences.
The next time you need some information, like sample interview questions when job hunting or how to become financially savvy, download one of those self-help audiobooks and enjoy the information without stressing our eyes out. Or you can smell the nostalgic scent of paper and turn the leaves of a physical book. It’s your choice.
