This podcast episode delves into the fascinating differences between reading on smartphones and traditional paper, revealing that comprehension scores are significantly lower when reading on screens. The discussion highlights a unique study from 2022 that not only measures brain activity but also explores the physiological effects of reading, such as breathing patterns. Interestingly, participants sighed more while reading on paper, a phenomenon linked to cognitive processing and mental effort. The episode connects these findings to how our breathing, or lack thereof, while reading on screens may lead to cognitive overload and hinder comprehension. As technology becomes an integral part of our reading habits, the hosts encourage listeners to reflect on how their reading medium affects their understanding and focus.

Paper Referenced:

Honma, M., Masaoka, Y., Iizuka, N. et al. Reading on a smartphone affects sigh generation, brain activity, and comprehension. Sci Rep 12, 1589 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-05605-0

Link - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-05605-0#citeas

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