Are printed books still necessary if almost everything is available online?

I used to think printed books were becoming obsolete, but then I realized I remember way less when reading from a screen. When I read on my phone or tablet, I'm constantly getting distracted by notifications, and the text just doesn't stick. With a paper book, that doesn't happen - it's just you and the story, nothing in the way. Plus your eyes get tired less, especially if you're reading in the evening before bed.

The internet is great for looking stuff up, but it's not quite the same thing. Articles, articles - everything in bits and pieces, everything shallow. A good book lets you dive deeper, feel the author's style, follow the logic of how an idea develops. Plus not all quality texts online are free or legally available, whereas a printed book is something you hold in your hands and don't owe anyone anything for.

So printed books are still needed, they've just changed their role. They're not the main source of information anymore, but they're still great for deep reading and just enjoyment. Some people prefer only digital, some prefer only paper, but most people seem to mix both depending on the situation.

Printed books are still needed because they work differently - when you read from a screen, your brain processes the text more superficially, and there are way more distractions. Plus, the internet isn't everywhere, the battery won't die, and your eyes don't get tired. There's definitely a lot of content online, but the quality varies, whereas with a book you know for sure you're reading something that's been checked, not just some random article from a sketchy source.

Here's what I've noticed: printed books and digital content solve different problems rather than compete for the title of "the right way." Yes, information from a screen is absorbed worse - that's scientifically proven. But that matters when you're reading serious literature, articles, something where you need to really dig in. But if you just need information - a recipe, instructions, a quick search - digital is way more convenient and efficient.

Plus, printed books aren't just content, they're a physical object with its own atmosphere. A book on a shelf looks different than a bookmark in an app. And when you pick it up, you're already in reading mode, not about to check social media at the same time. That's a psychological thing that really makes a difference.

But here's what's important to understand: the internet will never fully replace books simply because not everything that was printed before and is being printed now exists online. Rare editions, specialty books, a lot of classics - either you have to pay a lot to buy them legally in digital form, or you're stuck with pirated versions. And printed copies remain a more reliable way to store information. We need both.