Why do I Feel Alienated When Reading an E-Book?

[Mmaduabuchi Eze]

I started reading e-books just recently. But I feel alienated; separated from the story. The whole thing looks artificial to me and my concentration is light. Please, what do you think I should do to increase my participation and concentration?

[gali]

What device do you use? I suggest to read the ebooks on Ereaders such as Kindle, as it enhances the reading experience.

[Skye Rathke]

Hm. I'll admit I've never had this issue with reading via ereader. But, I can agree that something like a kindle gives a different lighting experience and it can be nice. I would play with the settings of whatever app you're using - I had better luck reading in the amazon app on my phone in dark mode, for example. Using built in tools to bookmark and leave notes for yourself is a good way of doing it, too, in my opinion.

E-Reading may not be for everyone, but I would certainly agree that a few different apps, or if you can try a dedicated device (maybe if a friend has an old one, for example, rather than spending money on something you might not like) then it could be worth it to keep trying.

[Marie Joy]

If you're using an e-reader, I've found that a good case can help a lot. I bought a fake leather case for my Kindle Oasis that's a little thicker than the official case, and even though it adds some bulk, the soft cushiness of the case makes it feel less like I'm holding just another electronic device and more like I'm holding...well, a book! It also protects the Kindle well when I inevitably drop it onto the ground multiple times a week, haha!

[Charlienmegan Wehner]

I read most of my books on a kindle reader (or use the kindle app on my phone). I think I have been doing it for so long that the experience of my reader doesn’t phase me. Like a previous poster stated, I would recommend getting a nice case to hold your reader which can make it more comfortable and enjoyable. I also frequently change the lighting, background color, and font (size and style) to keep me from getting fatigued since I read so much. Hope this helps!

[Meghan Sica]

I do a lot of reading. I like a physical book but I also really like e-books. I love the convenience of having it in an app on my phone so I can read wherever, whenever. I can lay down in my bed in the dark and still read. I have the settings changed to dark mode on my phone which makes the background dark and the text light. I feel this helps my eyes focus so much better and not strain with the light of the electronic devices. I get headaches and migraines and eye fatigue very quickly sometimes.

[Nati Jiniya]

I have had the same problem, but only with Kindle. I don't feel any separation when I read from phone, but kindle books seem very strange to me. Sadly, I haven't solved the problem.

[Sarina McMorran]

It can be a variety of factors. For example, it could be a psychological issue where it doesn't feel as "real" as when you are holding the actual book. The backlight problem is also a real things, as mentioned by other posters. I have light sensitive eyes, so I prefer to have the light setting on my Kindle as low as possible with high contrast, and then I use an actual reading light if I need to. It could also be the genre, are you reading something that would be gripping normally? Maybe revisit an old favorite to get you used to the change.