The speed of modern life grows exponentially. We have a fairly limited amount of time to absorb and analyze the huge flow of information coming from many channels.
When it comes to rest, many people have to forget about entertainment for a while. Yet, this is an essential part of life, without which human existence is impossible to imagine.
A large number of people dedicate their leisure time to the hobby or development of their skills. Others are fully absorbed by the continually growing number of social networks. They watch YouTube videos or online TV shows. And the rest spend their free time reading their favorite book.
With the emerging wave of podcasts that keeps gaining momentum, one can get to know everything on the go today. No matter what you want to hear about – some unsolved by FBI cold case, how the neurobiology works or how to cite a poem in MLA – it seems like most issues already have a specialized dedicated podcast.
However, many people still argue what's better – to listen to a podcast or read a book? What kind of activity brings more value?
Let's dig in.
Is Reading Still Trending?
Today people are too busy and don't have time to read books. After all, it is much easier to relax watching TV shows or playing computer games.
The researchers from Emory University in Atlanta carried out an MRI of 12 students. They have been reading 30 pages of Robert Harris' historical thriller “Pompeii” every day for a week.
The scans showed that the reading caused increased activity in the left temporal lobe of the cerebral cortex. These areas are associated with speech and cognitive activity in the central gyrus.
The value of reading books cannot be overestimated. It helps to develop a person's imagination, making one intellectually active. A good book allows one to experience a wide range of emotions and enriches vocabulary.
In today's world, getting rid of stress is the main concern for many people. Your favorite book can bring a feeling of calmness and help in managing stress.
According to research, reading protects the brain from different diseases. When you read, your brain activity increases. It is continuously toned, which improves the general condition of a person.
What Are Podcasts, and Why Are They so Popular?
Podcasts are audio or video programs that you can listen to or watch online. They can be musical, popular science, educational, and entertaining. The podcast usually lasts from 10-20 minutes to 1 hour and has the same duration.
Today there is more and more audio and video content. This is mainly because of the rapid pace of life does not leave us much time for a measured and thoughtful reading.
Most people spend a lot of their time on a daily routine. The way to work may take from 15 to 60 minutes, or even more. But if you use public transport, there's likely to be a lot of crowding and all-penetrating noise in the morning.
So many opt for a soothing distraction from routine and take the books with them. And if you have a car and happen to be a driver, there is no place for books at all. This is where podcasts can come in handy. And they definitely do!
The most crucial benefit of podcasting is that you can watch or, more likely, listen to them while doing any other activity. This does not require much concentration.
One can listen to podcasts while washing dishes, cooking, cleaning, or during the city trips – this explains how widespread they've got!
The Bottom Line: Books vs. Podcasts
The list of the values of reading is endless. This activity does not only improve your literacy but speech – one becomes more eloquent – and creative thinking.
Reading also advances one's narrative skills. However, the truth is that most people do not have enough time to read books. In our fast-growing and busy lives, there is an enormous amount of information to consume. Most people are busy with daily routine, work, and family, that are out of time for reading books.
Luckily, there is a large number of educational entertainment platforms, including podcasts. They are becoming more and more popular globally. So listening to podcasts could be not only considered as fun but also as a way to develop some new skills and knowledge base.
As it becomes harder and harder to carve out some time for a reading session, podcasts can offer an alternative way to spend one's free time.
