Describe the difference between reading on paper and reading on a computer display. Be sure to list at least three disadvantages for each method.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Advantages of computer display reading include:
Currency of information
Adjustable screen brightness and other user-customizable display settings
Ability to pan and zoom
Hyperlinked data and references
On-line dictionary and thesaurus
Content customized for on-line reading
Not wasting paper
Not carrying books
E-reader (e.g. Kindle) users embrace this method for book reading

The potential disadvantages of reading from displays include these:
Low contrast between the characters and the background and fuzzy character boundaries also can cause trouble.
Emitted light from displays may be more difficult to read by than reflected light from paper; glare may be greater, flicker can be a problem, and the curved display surface of some screens may be troubling.
Small displays require frequent page turning; issuing the page-turning commands is disruptive, and the page turns are unsettling, especially if they are slow and visually distracting.
Reading distance is easily adjustable for paper or a mobile device, while some displays are fixed in place, and display placement may be too high for comfortable reading (optometrists suggest reading be done with the eyes in a downward-looking direction).
Layout and formatting can be problems—for example, improper margins, inappropriate line widths (35 to 55 characters is recommended), or awkward justification (left justification and ragged right are recommended).
Reduced hand and body motion with fixed-position displays, as compared to paper or mobile device reading, may be more fatiguing.
Unfamiliarity of displays and the anxiety of navigating the text can increase stress for novice users.