Why reading is more beneficial than watching television. opportunities.alumdev.columbia.edu 2022-10-22

Reading and watching television are both popular forms of entertainment, but they differ in their benefits and effects on the individual. In this essay, I will argue that reading is more beneficial than watching television.

First and foremost, reading promotes mental and intellectual development. When we read, we engage with the material on a deeper level than when we simply watch television. We have to actively interpret the words on the page, make connections between ideas, and visualize the events and characters in our minds. This mental exercise helps to improve our critical thinking skills, expand our vocabulary, and increase our knowledge and understanding of the world.

In contrast, watching television requires less mental effort and often involves passively consuming information without actively engaging with it. While television can be a source of entertainment and information, it is often oversimplified and lacks the depth and complexity found in books. As a result, it may not challenge or stimulate the mind in the same way that reading does.

Another advantage of reading is that it allows us to escape into new worlds and experiences. When we read a book, we can be transported to different places, times, and realities, and gain a new perspective on life. Reading allows us to vicariously experience things that we may not have the opportunity to in our own lives, and it can broaden our understanding of the human condition. Television, on the other hand, is often more limited in its scope and may not offer the same level of immersion and escape.

In addition to these intellectual and imaginative benefits, reading has also been linked to various physical and emotional health benefits. Studies have shown that reading can reduce stress, improve sleep, and even increase lifespan. Reading has also been shown to improve empathy and social connection, as it allows us to understand and relate to the experiences and emotions of others. Television, on the other hand, has been linked to negative effects such as increased sedentary behavior and decreased social interaction.

In conclusion, reading is more beneficial than watching television because it promotes mental and intellectual development, allows us to escape into new worlds and experiences, and has numerous physical and emotional health benefits. While television can be a source of entertainment and information, it is important to balance it with the enriching and enriching activity of reading.