Physical Books Boost Narrative Comprehension Over Digital Reading, Study Finds
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that reading manga on paper enhances brain integration of story details compared to digital tablets. Researchers led by Kuniyoshi L. Sakai at the University of Tokyo, in collaboration with publisher COAMIX INC., scanned 25 right-handed Japanese university students after they read half a manga story on paper or tablet. Paper readers showed reduced activity in left frontal language regions and faster response times on complex questions requiring cross-viewpoint integration, indicating lower cognitive load. Tablet readers exhibited higher activation in left and right frontal areas, including the right angular gyrus for spatial processing, suggesting extra mental effort. Accuracy was similar across mediums, but paper provided stable sensory anchors like page thickness and fixed text positions. The study, authored by Keita Umejima, Yuki Sunada, and Kuniyoshi L. Sakai, is the first to show immediate neural benefits of paper reading. Future research will compare writing with pen versus keyboard.
Key facts
- Study published in PLOS ONE on cognitive benefits of reading physical paper books.
- Research led by Kuniyoshi L. Sakai at the University of Tokyo.
- Collaboration with COAMIX INC., a major Japanese manga publisher.
- 25 right-handed native Japanese university students participated.
- Participants read first half of a manga story on paper or tablet, then second half in MRI scanner.
- Paper readers showed reduced activity in left lateral premotor cortex and inferior frontal gyrus.
- Tablet readers showed higher activation in left frontal regions and right angular gyrus.
- Accuracy was similar, but tablet readers took longer on complex questions.
Entities
Institutions
- PLOS ONE
- University of Tokyo
- COAMIX INC.
- PsyPost
Locations
- Japan