Why listening to audiobooks is bad for you

[@elizabethfilips]

👩‍🦰If you fancy getting my book summaries of what I read for free, you can join my book club here: www.getrevue.co/profile/the-pensieve 🪄

[@yashpatil3914]

Why don't you add subtitles 😅

[@hakimabro7095]

Is it your make up or you are a natural beauty ??

[@shafiaden5664]

sister why don't you read quran?

[@teggyegg]

I can't successfully read books or listen to audiobooks so this might be useful! There is a youtube channel called "Productivity Game" which is great at summarising books.

[@lactobacillusbulgaricus6058]

I have a strong argument in favor of audiobooks: they avoid MYOPIA

[@mba09nr]

Storytelling and listening to stories existed way before humans ever started reading books. I also think it may be a bit ableist to say reading physical books is somehow superior to an audiobook. Both allow people to consume books and it is always great that as many people have access to books. I personally don’t think there is any value in putting one form against another!

[@devilsolution9781]

Nein, i disagree, reading a book activates a part of the mind that listening will not. Its like the difference between passive cognitive activation and conscious activation. Skim reading doesnt really count. If im reading a physical book my mind will flash images like a theatrical reel, if im listening its a lot more subconscious, like i consume the information, who, what, when, where, why, but without enacting the imagination

[@saqlain_altaf]

@@devilsolution9781 yesss!!!

[@thestraycat69]

@@devilsolution9781 disagree I actually have and do have the same mental effect that a book would. It has also been shown the adiouble can spark the imagination just as much as physically reading even common sense states that.

[@devilsolution9781]

@@thestraycat69 "it has been shown" is a somewhat ambigious statement.

[@thestraycat69]

@@devilsolution9781 Audiobooks help to sustain attention which keeps the focus on a single task for a longer period. Audiobooks help stimulate the auditory process in the brain that keeps the information that comes from your ear to those specific areas of the brain. This active listening process helps analyze the information and store it in our memory. Some of the documented benefits of audiobooks may include: Help improve ComprehensionImprove the imaginationSpark a more emotional response than readingHelp reduce negative thoughtsImprove time management abilityHelp build literacy skillsBuild your VocabularyHelp prevent age-related related cognitive deficit

[@sebasargent]

I do long walks that take 2-3 hours, and I often listen audiobooks on the journey. It's a fantastic way to consume the book faster than by reading. If I don't understand or pay attention while I'm on the street, I would replay the chapter and often the entire book. For a reader/learner, I think it would be unwise not no consider the advantages of audiobooks.

[@Ssaidak]

They are culture too, but they are different things, reading and listening. When you read, you are learning to spell better, always. Listening has advantages as listening in different cultures. You can listen an opera without seeing it, but you are listening to opera, no watching opera. For me, if you are interested in a book, I recommend always reading it. And if you are interested in oral narrative, listening it. When you read it, you have to tell yourself the story when your own voice, that is an exercise than is made for you when you listening to it. For that is better read books and listening radio and oral narrative. It would be unwise not consider doing it.

[@TLBainter]

I tend to do both audio and physical for the same book at the same time, it really helps with my retention! Otherwise, I just listen to the audio version while I'm driving, especially on long road trips!

[@auroreduroy1957]

I do the same when I'm reading in a foreign language! It really helps to learn the correct prononciation. It also helps the understanding, because the reader will make you understand the feelings, so you can know that the characters are arguing with the tone of the voices etc.

[@irismendonca]

Me too! For everyone with ADHD, this is an incredible experience, because it's easier to pay attention to the book when more than one of the senses is envolved

[@irismendonca]

@@auroreduroy1957 awesome tip, I'm going to try with spanish

[@devilsolution9781]

@@auroreduroy1957 paul noble?

[@auroreduroy1957]

@Devil solution No I didn't know him, but I went to check and he seems interesting, thanks! Did he said something similar to what I said?

[@thelastunicorn949]

As someone with ADHD, who gave up on reading for years, and was only able to pick it up again a year ago since starting audiobooks, respectfully... ✨️I 👏 don't 👏 care👏 ✨️ 😘

[@stephenpowstinger733]

Also, I have trouble with my eyes and find audio books the answer to book consumption.

[@aima1356]

Elizabeth you are the big sister I never had. Thank you for everything. Your smile and happy personality makes my day. And your advice makes me better than yesterday.

[@elizabethfilips]

[@Courtney6]

I think a more appropriate title is “how reading books and audiobooks are different”. They are different but in the end you’ve still consumed the book. Your personal preference doesn’t mean audiobooks aren’t “reading”. They both have their pros and cons. I think it’s important not to imply audiobook listeners aren’t really reading, especially if that’s their only able method. All reading is good 👍🏻

[@saiashwin26]

Listening isn't reading. It's like saying you watched a movie when you just read the plot summary on wikipedia.

[@irismendonca]

@@saiashwin26 That would be a great comparison between reading a book and reading it's summary. But books are written words and audiobooks are the SAME words but spoken.

[@humanfirst11]

@@irismendonca no

[@monylove6462]

For busy mamas audio books are very convenient

[@devilsolution9781]

But youre not reading and theres a distinctive difference between the two. Do you taste your food or do you hear it? The method of consuption is not equal. Audiobooks may even be beneificial to the type of learner that learns with audio, but most common people take more from visualisation

[@ZoeysMusings]

Reading and listening are definitely two different things. Reading can be such a personal thing and an audiobook takes away that intimacy to some extent. But for nonfiction, audiobooks are great because you're learning versus fiction which is better reading because you can be as imaginative as you like and makes notes at your pace. Great insights, Elizabeth 🙂

[@DavidCarloz]

I’m a slow reader and I mainly read fiction. Over the years I have learned to enjoy reading slow. Taking my time has become so relaxing. When you find that beautiful sentence and read It a few time over, is what I love. Just looking at the words is special too me. You can’t do that with an audiobooks. However, audiobooks are amazing. There’s is a time a place for both.

[@markhambelton357]

I take on board your perspective and others have mentioned this, but there is a very ablest perspective to many of your points. As someone with dyslexia, I fell in love with literature from being read to as a kid. Audiobooks allow people of all ages to explore literature when their disabilities would prevent this. I have just the same ability to imagine a story when it l listen to and when I read it, but the fluency of comprehension when I listen is easier than when I read. Not all neurodiverse people are the same, but it's a shame the title of your video will be divisive to those with certain disabilities. When authors take the trouble to make an audiobook version of their work available I feel included and that they and their publishers value their disabled readership, rather than just catering for only the neurotypical and visually able consumer base.

[@sonjachisnall]

I second this, although it's hard to account for every perspective when making content and I think it may have lightly been mentioned as a benefit ("accessibility") but the first argument was very generalised and argued that one is definitvely better without clarifying the nuances of neurodiversity in that section. So I'm not dyslexic but to shed light on the neurodiversity I have experienced the same or similar to what you describe. From my studies in biopsychology I wondered whether this is to do with a stronger connection in some people within the audio processing region and Wernicke's area of their temporal lobe where others who have a strong ability to process and comprehend visual code tend to have this function to a weaker degree. While it's not neurotypical it's not abnormal either in the sense that it's not a dysfunction and likely functions just as well as someone who reads but in reverse. I scored highest in class for comprehension as a kid but struggled to process the visual information of text so would always read aloud to process it faster. They even thought glasses would help me read faster but it wasn't the case, it was about the ability to process what I saw from code to semantic meaning in linear sequence. Nowadays I'm able to listen to audiobooks on 2.5x speed and lightly tune in if need be or slow it down to focus in on certain parts. I have been able to listen through more books than I could ever read and being a slow reader held me back in studies where I needed extensions but give me an audiobook and I could recall a whole pie of information. I'd also take notes in my phone's notepad. My imagination is also wild and enabled to run wild when I slow the speech down so the audio to visual processing speed is fairly quick for me in contrast. I feel that reading paper actually takes that away for me as my mind is trying to keep up with the slower processing like an old computer and I have to re-read parts more often. Another benefit is you can lay in the sun or shade without having to hold the thing up, you can just lay there and feel the breeze, smell the trees. People have commented I can speak as fast as I listen and sometimes do by mistake which in effect means I have to slow my speech for others and then my mind gets garbled because thoughts are already racing ahead of words. So I wouldn't say it's a problem in itself but rather a problem when it's not accommodated for. Others may have to be patient with me organising my thoughts when I have to slow them down but I also have to be patient for others when I need to slow down for them. I hope this provides some insight :) I love your videos by the way even if a different perspective. On the occassion I do get a book it's normally a quick section reference book like a guidebook, cookbook or a visually appealing keepsake!

[@distantearth]

She literally said audiobooks are great for people who can’t read physical books. Did you not hear that?

[@rmmccarthy1240]

While having breakfast, I watched a video of the last NYC Marathon. And then I told my trainer that I ran 26 miles that day. Words matter.

[@kvothe.9916]

I liked the subject. I liked the way you aproach to it. 1) eye or ear. all progress in the brain. 2) you can turn settings that the right pace for you 3) if you pause and think about it, it is same to stop reading and think about it. 4) you can take notes the ones you might underline. 5) the smell of the book, it is beyond my heal :) you are mostly right and i think i should share my ideas about this which i think about this, almost everyday. Thank you.

[@thestraycat69]

Audiobooks help to sustain attention which keeps the focus on a single task for a longer period. Audiobooks help stimulate the auditory process in the brain that keeps the information that comes from your ear to those specific areas of the brain. This active listening process helps analyze the information and store it in our memory. Some of the documented benefits of audiobooks may include: Help improve ComprehensionImprove the imaginationSpark a more emotional response than readingHelp reduce negative thoughtsImprove time management abilityHelp build literacy skillsBuild your VocabularyHelp prevent age-related related cognitive deficit

[@aadamkhan9956]

Great video! Although at first I was somewhat apprehensive about what this vid would entail upon reading the title, as I’m registered as blind thy’s audiobooks and listening being the only way I can ‘read’ , I actually found myself agreeing with you on a lot of things. In particular the imagination idea, I’ve realised that my mind works in an incredibly analytical manner and I do find it difficult to conger images of things in my head. Also I hate the fact that I can’t just get a book and read it, I envy any sighted person who can do that😩

[@Disgusted19]

In fact i'm like you bro i'm also blind but a few years ago i was wishing to find someone has empty time to read books to me but after i have started using available technology for blind i've become an independent person more i can read books by screen reader or i can listen if i want. a lot of things who were dreams for me have become easy . Islam from Iraq

[@pietro_ferrari]

For me, each person has a specific methody for studies. It's a development, not a game. If a person prefers study by audiobooks, so do it. If prefers by paper books, go for it. The only thing that we need to worry if we are improving our lifes for a better way. Just this.

[@TheDopery]

I read books at home and on my 10hr delivery routes I listen to audiobooks. And if it weren’t for audiobooks I would have never fell in love with reading! There’s a place to enjoy both and I could not live without either one!

[@Ssaidak]

But reading and listening is different. The oral narrative is culture too but is not reading. It has its own importance.

[@UnicornRoseDust]

In general, I'm grateful that technology has brought us to a place and time where anyone can consume what they want in the format they like the most or what they find most convenient (As you said there are people with certain disabilities and limitations that cannot consume traditional books!). Looking at the subject in retrospect it's amazing 😄

[@thisisarika]

Wow thank you! All we see on youtube is people promoting audiobooks as a way of multitasking and advertising audible lol. Definitely prefer reading books as well :) Btw, I might be totally off but did you get a new camera or something haha.. set up and quality looks amazing~

[@ONSYAM]

The hell, i love this speed speech for my audiobooks. Your voice is clear with a perfect speed and love your accent. 😁😁

[@AbeVsTheWorld]

For me, it is hard to dedicate my time to sit still and read paperback because I have ADHD. I just can't find it intriguing. But audiobooks came in handy for me while I'm grinding in anyway especially in video games. And when the audio book has voice acting, even better for me. I started off with Goosebumps books. Then step it up with Harry Potter 1 and 2. A complete collection of essays from C.S Lewis. And now I'm wishlisting Imajica by Clive Barker.

[@Jasmine-ho9iz]

Audiobooks are a life saver for students who don’t have hours a day to read any more. When I was in highschool I use to spend up to 5 hours a day reading… can’t do that anymore so I listen to audiobooks when I’m working out, on transit, or cleaning, and save the actual reading for the weekends. I also think audiobooks are VERY harmful if you’re purpose of reading a particular book is to study it. To study a book I think it’s essential to actually take notes and actively engage with the text, reflect on a page, etc.

[@angelgutierrez5950]

Why wouldn't students have the time of day anymore?? Everything you listed students did and still read real books before the internet and advancement in technology. Your generation is just lazy and want everything easy. Listening and reading are two different things. This new generation also use thier phones to cheat on school work, test, etc. If we had more of today's kids, reading real books, playing outside and not on social media. Maybe the world would start getting better.

[@habituscraeftig]

As someone whose self-education as an adolescent involved a lot of Great Courses lectures, I agree that taking notes is helpful, but I don't know how necessary it is. I find that a lot of what I did *not* take notes on was more completely absorbed and integrated, because I was not actively externalized by trying to take notes. Instead, I frequently paused and talked (out loud) through my thoughts. I try to make a practice of actively noticing when I am confused or something doesn't fit with what I thought, so this practice also makes me more critical of real-time encounters with spoken assertions (lectures, persuasive speeches, &c.), as well.

[@anso7613]

Agreed with you. I like the non fiction books in audiobooks but for the fiction ones are the best in physical books.

[@luvasaur]

A bit glossed over but yeah dyslexia or other learning differences makes audio books essential! Hooray for audio books

[@ginashepherd9552]

I love audiobooks when driving long distances, doing housework, and crocheting. It makes yucky housework much more bearable too. I read books before bed, on kindle or physical books, but audiobooks have been a game changer and have increased my already considerable book consumption.

[@luizamaria5170]

Lizzz, firstly, congrats for this great content! And, secondly, please make a video of how you babyliss your hair!!!! It's sooo perfect

[@Alliefrownie]

I'm massively dyslexic so audiobooks have been a lifesaver. If I didn't have dyslexia, I'd probably share a similar stance. Good content though :)

[@NawalMustafa]

Not being paced by yourself but someone else is one of the main reasons why I still haven’t come to love audiobooks. Thank you for sharing your perspective on this ♥️

[@charliecarrot]

Great point! I have no elitist attachment to physical written texts, I can just understand them better and take it at my own pace.

[@whatznext28]

Great vid Elizabeth! My biggest takeaway is that for fiction audiobooks limit our scale of imagination. For non-fiction books I like to read the physical or ebooks and use the audiobooks as refreshers and reminders. What do you think?

[@qazedc3]

I love audiobooks for multi tasking and while walking. I quickly realized that my brain can't do fiction audiobooks however, I only like listening to non-fiction. My mind gets easily confused with fiction especially if it's written in 3rd person, also with remembering all the story details and characters I space out easily while listening.

[@KreatorX1029]

I've been listening to Harry Potter audiobooks since the start of this year, mostly at night as a bedtime tale :) Reached Half Blood Prince now, and it's been fun, actually! About the inability to imagine, I think you need a good narrator, is all. Check out Jim Dale's narration of HP, he's too good!

[@candiceseretin7230]

I preferred Stephen Fry reading the Harry Potter series. He was absolutely fantastic

[@areeshatahnee2193]

Love your videos Lizzie! Hoping for you to make a video on your favourite philo books for those of us who are thinking of dabbling into philosophy. Much love

[@em4200]

Personally, i find the experience of listening to an audiobook and reading it are the same. The only difference is that one is the voice in my head, and the other is a voice of someone else. For me, I get super distracted while reading a book, and it takes me so long to read even a few pages. With an audiobook, it keeps going, so I am more focused. Audiobooks help make reading accessible to those who have a hard time reading, so we shouldn't judge wether you listened or read a book.

[@3choblast3r4]

You're lying to youself. You find that listening to a book expands your vocabulary like reading does? What books do you read bro that you never need to reread a paragraph or consider what just happened etc etc. it's not the same, it's not even close. First of all there are different books of different complexities. Some will be easy to listen too while others will be impossible to understand if you're just listening to it while doing the dishes or whatever. E..g Let's take a more extreme example, do you think you will understand a science text book if you listen to it? Do you think you will retain the information and learn what's on the page the same if you read? it's fine to listen to books. But story time is not readng.

[@em4200]

@@3choblast3r4 Your comment is so dumb. I never said anything about vocabulary or complexity… Reading books and listening to audiobooks is just for fun - a form of entertainment. It’s not that deep. If I get a book that’s deeper/more difficult then yes, I will read it. Maybe I like books because I enjoy them; I don’t have to be chasing great literature and expanding my vocabulary. All I am saying is that in my experience, the two are not that different.

[@3choblast3r4]

@@em4200 You just said they are different .. while your original comment claimed they were the same. You don't have to read complex books for them toexpand your vocabulary. But if you're reading you're more likely to learn new words compared to just listening. My point was that the more complex a book is the harder it will be to keep up listening to it. You might keep up with a more straight forward YA book but anything with strange, complex etc prose might get lost on you. It's just frustrating to see. It's completely fine to enjoy audiobooks. But they aren't the same as reading. Reading and listening are two completely different experiences using different senses.

[@someperson9998]

@@3choblast3r4 Not everyone cares about expanding their vocabulary. You seem to have a massive intellectual superiority complex. Once again, their original comment mentioned absolutely nothing about comprehending more complex books. You're only upset that not everyone appreciates what you believe is your self worth.

[@regerde2711]

I don't think either is better or worse than the other. I prefer physical books. As you said it is much easier to highlight things and make notes. You can have your own pace and if you lose your concentration you can find the passage you last remember much faster. On top of that I'm very picky with voices. Most audiobooks just don't work for me. I really don't enjoy someone else reading to me and often lose my concentration. However I met quiet a few people who have the opposite problem. They can't stay focused on a page of black and white text but will be fully engaged while listening to someone else's voice. Not to mention people with disabilities like sight issues. The only thing that really bothers me is when people call audiobooks reading. It is listening, which is fine. Please don't change the meaning of words. Other than that I'm just glad that there are different ways for people to enjoy stories and everyone should do what works for them. Listening isn't less than reading. I wish I could listen to audiobooks and enjoy them since I also like to take walks or would listen in the dark but my brain can't engage well with that so I stick to reading.

[@MrStatix69]

I find audiobooks useful as a background track while I’m doing things to see if it’s a book I REALLY want to read and take the time to digest. If not, I often still pick up a thing or two listening to a book that was not, on the whole, useful for me to spend the conscious time on.

[@frmanmikaylzad1091]

Wow, that sounds amazing, thanks for great video Elizabeth, I don't know why, but I hate British accent till your videos, but for now, I'm start to listening a lot of british accent videos, specially your videos, you started to inspire me!

[@FE-fs1su]

I love that you put 2 different ideas and explain them objectively. In this way i am in the process of thinking with you 💯💯

[@247Hamza]

congrats on 125K subscribers 🎉 . not long ago you reached 100K, now onto 150K 🔥

[@fluntimes]

All great points, many I had not considered consciously. One thing I love about audiobooks is that some of them are theatrical and highly entertaining. Mark Manson's Subtle Art on audio absolute gold. A great narrator can make the content come to life. Works well with psychology / self help books.

[@sunshinethecat222]

Your hair is GOALS✨

[@elizabethfilips]

AWH THANK YOU!

[@3choblast3r4]

Whenever I hear an author talk about their revenue being 60% or so from audiobooks it really depresses me. And the messed up part is that audiobook listeners are obsessive and adamant about claiming that listening, .. let me repeat that. *Listening* is the same thing as *reading.* They won't say, "I listened to a book" they will claim to have "read" it. They will call people who don't agree, elitists etc. When in my experience, it's audiobook people that will bring up how it's "the same thing" over and over, practically forcing us to go.. "no, no it's not" To be very clear, audiobooks are great. There are some people for whom reading is a lot harder, people losing their sight, people with certain neurodivergencies (I myself have ADHD). But, that does not change. That "story time" is not the same as reading a book. It doesn't expand your vocabulary like reading does. It doesn't give you the room to breath, think, reread a chapter, consider what happened before because it goes on without a break. And I highly doubt the people listening to audiobooks while doing the dishes etc get the full context let alone rewinding parts that they didn't get or pausing to take a breather and consider what they've just heard.

[@LordAteag]

I listen to audiobooks while driving or doing other tasks that don't require much attention. It's great, because I'd rather do other things with my hands than hold a book. A big con for me is bad narrators. I'm going the Queen of Thieves set, and this narrator is just... mildly ruining the experience.

[@ZohraMaura]

I like to have one audiobook and one physical book on the go at the same time. also, I tend to read books under 500 pages and audiobooks for books over 500 pages. I would never have completed War and Peace over lockdown last year without listening to it on audiobook on my daily walk! I also tend to remember characters and storylines more through audiobooks more than physical books x

[@devilsolution9781]

Some books are a proper slog to read physically, the silmarilion i tried to read twice and had to turn to audiobook in the end

[@devilsolution9781]

Imagine trying to read shakespear, might aswell buss out the german thesaurus

[@mchobbit2951]

I do like that too. I am always reading a physical book, but always have an audiobook going that I listen to while doing art and before bed with my eyes closed. I am so thankful for both as they both enrich my life.

[@alicebeshay6124]

I love listening to audio books when doing boring things. Doing the dishes or ironing. It takes me away in a pleasant way. A real book is for times you can sit and concentrate. I don’t like speedreading, reading a book slowly, leaves you in in the story longer. I always ponder on every story 😁

[@SirLallington]

Listening is cheating! 😂 But I agree that some books can be listened too, whilst others can’t 👊

[@MarianaKobayashi]

I love this! I would like to put your video in 1.5x but your voice and the music are so smooth it's impossible to have the full experience!

[@elizabethfilips]

AWH thank you Mariana!

[@thestraycat69]

Also it had gifted me understanding other people who have different dilect, and adapt for the most part quicker to different accents.

[@BernieAnderson]

This is an ongoing argument between my wife and I. :-) AudioBooks are incredibly important to my system. I am an extremely high audio learner. This makes audiobooks an important part of my entire system. That said, I tend to do audiobooks for fiction and ebooks or analog for nonfiction (for note taking). I do count audiobooks in my annual book count though.

[@runthomas]

when people say i read a book, but it is an audiobook, the truth is ..they didnt read anything...

[@rosea2350]

Audiobooks are great but it’s so important to support bookstores. 📚

[@snide_b]

As someone with adhd, reading has become an insanely difficult challenge when it comes to reading for pleasure. I'm not sure what the reasoning is, but audiobooks are so much easier for me to actually picture settings and characters in stories, and my comprehension is much better when listening to an audiobook versus reading a book. Anecdotal stuff aside, iirc audiobooks utilize a lot of the same parts of the brain as used when physically reading something. So I don't think you're missing out on anything from a mental benefit standpoint. As usual, I think it always just boils down to a sense of preference.

[@devilsolution9781]

Does your mind wonder while your still reading the words? Audiobooks are deffo less pervasive and more forgiving in that respect. In terms of neurological activation though, reading is the bread winner

[@allisonirving8759]

As a reader of both physical and audiobooks I feel the exact opposite. I actually notice when my mind wanders with audiobooks and promptly use the -10 second button to go back. If I'm reading a physical book I can't be bothered to search for the spot and often continue on without stopping. I also have a system that makes note taking easier with audiobooks than it would be with physical books.@@devilsolution9781

[@habituscraeftig]

Anything repetitive lends itself better to audio. But by the same token, if a work is not repetitive, the audio is best absorbed when it is repeated, after a time. I tend to approach audio lectures (an important resource, for me) again, on a kind of 'spaced repetition' basis - a year later, then three years later, and so on. This allows me to integrate the same information differently over time, and I have come to recognize the restless feeling that comes from having already fully absorbed and perhaps integrated (perhaps dissected and rejected) what a book or lesson has to offer. I often do a similar thing with read books, where I review them in audio or ebook form (or paper if I began with electronic). I find the change in medium often makes different things stand out.

[@endlessnessdown5012]

Hopeed to find some answers to my suspicions. And somewhat got them, thank you! My mom picked up audiobook listening as a background noise. I noticed that she can't comprehend what is being told to her unless you repeat it several times. I don't know if it's her age or the fact that she just got a habbit to listen to audiobooks that she doesn't try to listen thoroughly and now automatically lets actual speach go in and out of her ears. It would be a lesser concern for me, but she doesn't even check if it's pg or somewhat decently written, recorded and edited. I'm so sick from hearing mediocre spicy scenes and aita type of scenarios. These are so bad that it's more of a rage bait, tbh.

[@Wingedmagician]

“Do I have your attention right now? I hope so the idea that we’re missing so much of our own lives is pretty alarming. But now that I have it I won’t be able to keep it for very long. As you listen to this chapter it’s likely that you’ll miss up to half of what I say. And on top of that you’ll finish listening convinced that you didn’t miss a thing.” From Peak Mind by Amishi Jha, first chapter first couple minutes.

[@darstar217]

I think they have to count as reading. There are a lot of people who can’t read physical books medical reasons but listen to audiobooks instead.

[@anushadewase6089]

This is an internal war that I am waging every day and faced the same issue when kindle first came along and I just want to hold the book and feel it in my hands

[@Jordie_42]

To expand your vocab and comprehension it's better to read. To just enjoy a story, sharpen your listening skills and get more books ticked off your list in a shorter time then do audiobooks. Both are beneficial

[@solo-gdz6466]

Totally agree, especially about about your own history and personal bagage, even though I'm new and slow at reading books, also I prefer to listen to podcasts rather than audio books.

[@starchtrek7263]

I prefer reading physical books a lot! When I listen to audio stuff I prefer listening to podcasts. I have listened to audio books in the past but it never quite stuck with me.

[@judyives1832]

Being a blind person, listening becomes a very different process . It’s a bit hurtful to have someone say that how we interact with books is inferior. You don’t understand how blind people create a sensory world without needing to use vision.

[@elizabethfilips]

Sorry, I definitely don’t understand that! I did try to refer to it in as much as I believe I can, but this definitely was from my personal perspective. I’m sorry if it wasn’t sensitive enough 🙏

[@memeworld7800]

Before watching the video... They are different sensory experiences and depending on which style you learn/remember from is important. You still develop the vocabulary from listening (just not the spelling). Although you don't have to "read between the lines" as much as the voice over on an audiobook probably has intonation giving away the meaning behind what they are saying ism

[@gecogexx]

I notice that I don’t reflect on the reading I’m doing with audiobooks. Physical books force me to think about what the author means and how it can be applied.

[@shravanimandhari5867]

Elizabeth spoke facts. She always does.

[@axsh970]

Reading subtitles in a TV series count as reading? If it does then I have read alot lol.

[@AivarsMeijers]

I was guessing that you will mention self help, business books, etc. as perfect material to listen on 2x speed ad see that was right :) I feel the same about audio books.

[@elizabethfilips]

Yasss we’re on the same page with this!

[@speakingfreely6770]

4000 weeks was a book that I just finished on audio book, downloaded an ebook and might now buy the physical book.

[@alexwyler4570]

One should listen to the seven Harry Potter books read by Jim Dale. ( not the other guy). If you are traveling anywhere by car with the kids, you will agree that Jim Dale should have been awarded the Nobel Peace Price hihi. It is the best way to enjoy the Harry Potter books. And the Gift of Fear read by the author is a must read for any American woman. And i really enjoyed Elizabeth Gilbert " Big Magic: Creative Living beyond Fear" as an audio book. Sometimes, it is a great experience to have the book read by the author. For the parents out there, once they went through the Harry Potter books: Belle Teal by Ann Martin narrated Julia Gibson, Counting on Grace narrated by Lili Gamache. my edit: It took maybe three books for Jim Dale to finally master Hermione's voice.

[@rogerhuggettjr.7675]

There are only two situations where audiobooks make sense to me. If I'm reading heavy theology or philosophy, it forces me to stop reading the same thing over and over and get beyond it to see the greater context. Of course I have to listen to it a second time through to get that back. The second was when I'd go on bike rides and want to extend my route, this allowed me to lose track of time as I focused and make it feel shorter in a way music didn't require of me. Plus, no matter how far I went out I then was required to ride myself back home. I have a very negative view of audiobooks in general as I hate having to use tech to do the most low tech activity imaginable. I should not need electricity to read a frickin' book (this is why I'll never own a kindle). I also enjoy seeing the trophies of my time investment sitting on a shelf and for the most part only buy hardcovers. Finally, I've started reading Terry Pratchett who has many puns in his books that would be missed in spoken word. A booktuber pointed out a good example of this: a person who steals musical instruments during a riot is a LUTER.

[@Nikita35485]

I dunno what I prefer more but it's ruther reading than listening. However listening of Lovecraft's "The call of Cthulhu" before this New Year was outstandingly fascinating for me. I was shocked by the power of audio book in horror genre. High recommendations from me: try horror audio book. It might be great.

[@lucycoles3860]

Great video!! Also I am in awe of your hair - I would be first in the queue if you made a haircare video lol

[@RohanYesudian]

Key take away from this video: read audiobooks if you are just looking for information / if book just has lots of examples (like in some non fiction books). Read physical books for fiction because you have more scope to immerse yourself in your own imagination of the scene the author is depicting

[@davidranderson1]

I've heard the brain's processing of the printed word and the spoken word is fundamentally not that different. Both are processed in the language center, but, for the printed word, it has to be "decoded" and matched to its spoken form before the brain processes it. On a purely mechanical level, the only difference between a physical book and an audio book is if decoding is required.

[@thestraycat69]

Both work, both can educate you. The only thing that reading offers that audio cannot is visual such as graphs. So when it's a business book, computer science book etc. I like to use books( unless it's philosophy or politics which can be used as audio.) Now if I want my mind to actually unwind and actually relax/ think about what is being presented to me it's got to go audio. I can read a fictional book and enjoy it but I will wander off and start doing a project of some sort rather than enjoy the fiction. Now I normally just use fiction as background anyways it's soothing, relaxing and reminds me of my mother who used to tell me stories when I was a child. Though I do actually wonder the psychology behind this? You've opened a can of worms.

[@alfiemarie]

maybe its like how at one point on tiktok, users called out certain tiktokers for calling their recipe vegan steak when it really is just spiced and grilled watermelon, or something like that. or vegan hotdog but really it's just carrots. i dunno. i love audiobooks. i retain information better that way. i think calling it for what it is exactly is just apt. i dont know why saying " i listened to..." didn't really become a thing. instead, when people listen to an audiobook, the norm has become to say "i read bla bla bla". to me, reading books and listening to a recorded version of the book are two very different experiences. and sometimes i do both at the same time. this allows me to be more immersed in the story. anyway, i don't know anymore where im going with this LMAO so ill stop. ps: ive nothing against vegans or meat-eaters

[@ronnronn386]

Underrated but soo true. I feel the same way about audiobook. It's just not feels right

[@harshilthakkar3289]

HELLO MA'AM! I AM YOUR NEW SUBSCRIBER AND I WATCHED SOME VIDEOS... THEY'RE SO FABULOUS I'M SO IMPRESSED KEEP GOING MA'AM ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@dfjulesful]

Completely unrelated but your hair is magnificent!

[@gavindavies164]

i am that person who struggles to read. i could read probably 1 to 2 books a year if lucky as i don't prioritise sitting down to read but i started my audible 24 book subscription in jan 19th of 2022 and have read 8 books so far. even if i dont get everything out of a book the same way i would if i had read a book, I still get alot out of them. getting through 70 books in a year via audio book has to be better than 1 to 2 books a year via reading. in my eyes audiobooks are king

[@kasik9003]

You didn’t like when people where reading stories to you when you were a child ? For me it’s a little bit the same with audiobooks. It makes me feel so calm , and my imagination is nourished

[@elizabethfilips]

ah great point

[@twoblink]

Having 6 hours of commute time; as Jim Rohn says; turn your car into a university on wheels... With audiobooks; I am able to do 100+ books a year; and I usually listen to them 2.5X if the reader is good.. For fiction; yes; slightly robs you of the imagination; and it's more like watching "Theater" but for business books; not comparable. Because note taking is so difficult with audiobooks; i'm actually forced to memorize a lot more info than I normally would. Books aren't being replaced by audiobooks; it's supplimented.

[@Sunshinelollipops223]

Exactly if I’m not using reading skills then I’m not reading lol. Reading is a skill, it’s also important for learning how to write.

[@RICKLUSTOSA]

With no correlation with the topic being discussed... My God, you are so beautiful and your hair is astonishing! 😁

[@StefanoCanepa1970]

I don't "read" audiobooks, but I listen to audiobooks while reading the book. Why I'm doing that to myself? To improve my pronunciation.

[@mihoang4458]

Again, 0.75 speed suits you best :)))

[@Computra]

Audio books are a lifesaver for people with Dyslexia....

[@DaringDanielletravels]

Listening is much more passive than reading and in our multi-task obsessed culture most people are listening while distracted.

[@hammerandthewrench7924]

I find people who start with audiobooks eventually end up buying a physical copy of their favorite books. And do end up buying one or two extra books while at the book store. They eventually transition to reading either partially or entirely.

[@livriomer]

I think the title of the video is kind of misleading. I think you meant to say that reading books gives a better experience than listening audiobooks. Because it sounds like you meant to say by the title that, even if I have listened 40 audiobooks, it means that I have read zero book. Technically speaking is true, but I still have the knowledge of 40 stories in my head. I do think that reading a book is a unique experience, but listening a good audio book too. For me, all counts as a way to acquire a nice story.

[@rbrooks2007]

An interesting version tagged onto the end of this video might have been your narrative for this solely displayed as paragraphs of text on screen then find out what reaction readers have regarding it.

[@DrBrunoRecipes]

Greetings from Scotland 😊 Have a wonderful day everyone 😍 byee😊

[@jessicacoleman4588]

I read listening to audiobooks and and read a hard book because I have dyslexia so it helps me to listen and follow the lines 😊

[@jackieyang9337]

Including men and women, women also have beloved toys. They just collect their hearts. They are afraid of being ashamed. They are not ashamed at all. When they get married, they are wasted. They are not wasted at all. They buy or make their beloved feelings and accompany themselves

[@ashleygarcia7480]

I've never clicked on a video quicker than this one being that many don't seem to share this idea. It pains me to hear someone say they "read" an audiobook because they didn't! Listening to an audiobook doesn't make it any less credible than reading a book; it's still a means that requires attention. Great points made especially on speed reading, which I never thought to do.. 🤔

[@elizabethfilips]

AWH THANKS ASHLEY

[@ashleygarcia7480]

@@elizabethfilips of course! 😊

[@radrose4864]

Yeah I’m always taken aback when someone says “I read 125 books last year” and then you find out 75% of them are audio books. I have nothing against audio books, they are great, but I just don’t agree that it’s reading. Listening is much more passive. It’s happening to you whereas reading is something you are actively doing. Also I’m a writer and so much of my skill was gained from Seeing the spelling and grammar and the way the words look on the page. I’ve heard that studies say you retain information well either way, but what about improving your writing ability? I can’t believe you get as much benefit from listening to audiobooks…

[@jojosantiago2576]

You talk with sense, thanks for sharing your ideas its well noted😃👍👍👍❤💟💟💟❤

[@nuxbux9042]

I LOVE YOUR HAIR

[@yunishot]

I think, though counterintuitive, that listening to a complicated philosophy book can be better than reading it. I've been both reading and listening to Thus Spoke Zarathustra and my memory of the audiobook is way more vivid. The audiobook allowed me to think way better compared to reading the book.

[@yunishot]

Though novels are way better to read then to listen to imo. It's way harder to appropriate a character when he is defined by the voice of someone.

[@alimubashar8109]

Lipstick is gorgeous as likes alway as well as beauty of browny hair, Here is liberated thanks to change

[@PhilipStratton]

“Why riding the bus doesn’t count as driving a car”. Sorry, the conversation seems a bit silly to me. Of course they aren’t the same. But each serve a purpose and have value to those that engage with (even rely upon) them.

[@booksourexistence2153]

Yes, I don't like Audiobook..... If I don't touch book I feel I'm reading book on my dream.... Without touching book, reading is incomplete...... Thanks

[@Alichills]

girl when you gonna start med school again? we want another a day in the life of a med school student

[@charliecarrot]

As someone with ADHD, I literally cannot focus on audiobooks. I'm the kinda person who has to reread a paragraph a few times before I understand it, and I'm always going back to previous pages to help understand what I'm reading better. If I try to listen to audiobooks, my mind wanders and I lose focus. If I listen to them while doing something else (driving, dishes, etc) the same thing happens. I have trouble comprehending what was said and ingesting it before the narrator moves onto something else. A big problem is that the narration is often boring (and slowing it down for better comprehension makes it worse) Podcasts are great and it's easy for me to listen to people having a conversation. For books, I'll stick to my ebook reader. That being said, I have absolutely no qualms with someone saying they "read" a book if they listened to an audiobook. It's equivalent, and everyone has preferences. If you understand audiobooks better, don't let others make you feel like you're "cheating" or "less than" because you didn't read physical words. It doesn't matter, find the best way to ingest the material for yourself!