Books Can't be Replaced by Newspapers

Meagan Cox

          In The Shallows, Carr talks about the fear people once had that newspapers might take over books. To me, this makes sense, for when newspapers first came out, people were probably really excited about the new experience, and they probably all wanted to try out the newest trend. Like computers, when newspapers came out, people probably temporarily got caught up in them, for it was something new and exciting. However, it is now easy to see that these people had nothing to worry about- the information given in newspapers is much different than the information that books can give. In addition, a newspaper is seemingly a whole different experience, with shorter segments, a variety of articles, and captivating headlines of what is happening at the moment, rather than a book, which is usually just one continuous story.  Although it is probably easier for most people to take the time to read the short clippings that the newspaper has to offer, books are items that are almost too timeless to replace. Newspapers simply could not take on the job of a book, for they often do not have the ability to express the creative ideas and tell the descriptive stories in the way that books do.

In reality, newspaper articles can only be so long. Unlike books, newspaper articles are, at most, a few pages. Because of this, they are almost unable to portray a sense of personal connection that a reader can get from reading a book. In addition, while stories in books are often told over and over and kept from generation to generation, what is written in newspaper articles is often only a story of what is going on at a specific time and place, therefore it is usually kept for only a short time and thrown out. Books can be kept, and read for much longer periods of time, while still being relatable, while newspapers usually simply deliver just facts. Although newspapers may have been a more exciting experience when they first came out, they probably could never replace a book.

                Similar to when newspapers came out, the new technologies, such as Kindles, Nooks, and online books are now scaring certain people, for they fear that books may soon be replaced. However, like it has played out in the past, it is highly unlikely that technology will replace books altogether. Like we discussed in class, reading a book is almost like an experience that many value. Holding a book, flipping the pages, and connecting with what one holds in their hands is something that people feel cannot be replaced by electronic devices. It is probably more likely for newspapers to disappear now, just like in fifty more years Kindles and Nooks will probably be a thing of the past, replaced by something newer. However, since books have stayed in existence through many centuries, even preferred by some over the newest electronics, it seems very unlikely that they will be replaced by an electronic device anytime in the near future.