“Not Exactly Reading” – The Nature of Reading in the Era of Screen

Abstract

I claim that digital reading is reading, but a special, extended version. Digital reading shows various similarities to print reading but also differences as well; however, these latter are not that significant that could validate the exclusion of digital reading from the category of reading or qualify it as a mere distraction. Moreover, applying digital devices for reading besides traditional reading means a new opportunity for comprehension and cognitive development, and these are essentials in improving the reading skills of future generations. Engaging children in the complex mental, physical, and sensual experience that reading can give, irrespectively of the type of reading, is the biggest challenge to accomplish in the field of reading in the 21st century.