What are the pros and cons of reading?

Answer 1

ProsWisdom. Reading lets you open your mind and learn about what is really important.

Improve Concentration. Reading helps you to concentrate on one thing for longer than a 'sound bite'.

Reading stimulates production of endorphins.

Learning. Reading is an excellent source of information of all types.

Critical Thinking. Careful reading helps develop skills in critical thinking.

Creativity. Reading can stimulate insight and creativity.

Pleasure & Relaxation. Reading is a wonderful source of pleasure for many people, and can provide a healthy escape from routine.

ConsRestricted View. If one's reading is too narrow, or is not informed by the world in general, there is a danger that one's views can become warped and extreme, perhaps even dangerously so. You might end up reading ONLY materials that support your view on a particular question, and then become seriously unbalanced in your zealous advocacy of that position. No topic is exempt from this possibility, and no reader is immune, regardless of the topic of interest.

Becoming Reading Dependent. There is a danger that one can become so obsessed with the experience and process of reading that other necessary and healthy aspects of life are avoided or ignored. These healthy things include contact with other real humans (not in the form of texting), sunlight, physical activity, artistic or craft related skills and productivity, productivity at work of any kind, the developing of relationships, skills caring for others, including pets, and not least important, earning a living.

Possible stunding of creativity. A person might become so fixated and obsessed with gaining information that the ability to analyze, synthesize or to think creatively may be stunted rather than enhanced.

Note that the "cons" listed about really have to do with our own habits, and not with reading in and of itself. Language is profoundly important, and preserved language in written form is always a treasure of any culture.