The new era of technology has brought about many benefits and improvements to different aspects of society. But has it begun to replace old traditions? For example, books have been around for thousands of years and were once the main source for mass communication. Now, they are becoming replaced by entertainment such as movies and the Internet. These novels spread the philosophies, stories, opinions and knowledge of the world. Connections with various cultures and people from around the world happen through books. New contenders such as the Internet and technology offer faster, quicker and more efficient tools to share and spread information around the world.

Books are gradually being pushed off the scene because they can be read on the Internet and some people prefer blogging to writing literature. The Internet’s speed is very attractive to many people and it allows room for multitasking. If someone was reading a story on the Internet, they could also check e-mail and listen to music at the same time. Access to a high volume of books has become more convenient with the Internet because people can read multiple books online for free, instead of buying books one at a time. These benefits are causing people to ditch print and search the Web for literature.

Another aspect of technology that is replacing books is movies. Many hit movies were first books. Famous movies such as "Star Wars," "Lord of the Rings" and "Harry Potter" were originally books. People are leaving the lines of bookstores and libraries and hoping into the lines at the movies. It is much easier and more convenient to watch a two-hour flick compared to reading a 700-page book. I am guilty of not reading the "Harry Potter" series because I’ve already seen the movies. However, I know that reading the books can still be rewarding. Since movies often leave out important pieces of the plot, books offer a more in depth and enriching story. Having a contrast between the visual and literary works is one of the best entertainment experiences.

Since the origin of books stretches back thousand of years, people are able to connect with the faded past. Those words never die. People from all around the world are able to share their thoughts and have a chance at making them immortalized. Even though technology is offering easier and less time consuming ways for people to hear and read words, books will always be around and have value in the world. People cannot replace the original influence and power that books have offered for so many years. No matter how technology advances, people will always stick to their bookworm roots and treasure the value of books. 

Shaylyn Grow
Senior
Empire High School