Healthy Soch
Author: K.M. Prashanth, Former GM (Corporate Communication), NTPC Communication Consultant and Quiz Master
India
healthysoch
Chandigarh, June 02, 2026:
The other day, while travelling on the metro, I happened to look around at my fellow
passengers. Almost everyone seemed glued to a mobile phone. Those seated were scrolling through their screens, while many standing passengers were equally engrossed in their devices.
As I watched this familiar scene unfold, a question crossed my mind: does anyone
still read a physical newspaper?
For those who grew up before smartphones became an extension of our hands, reading a newspaper was more than a habit—it was a ritual. I still remember the pleasure of unfolding the morning paper with a cup of tea and spending time moving from one page to another, discovering stories from different parts of the world.
What I miss most is the sense of immersion. A newspaper demands our attention in a way that digital platforms rarely do. There are no notifications, pop-up advertisements, or endless links competing for our focus. The experience encourages us to slow down, reflect, and absorb information more deeply.
There is also something uniquely satisfying about the physical act of reading a newspaper. The texture of the paper, the rustle of the pages, and even the familiar smell of fresh newsprint contribute to an experience that screens cannot replicate. A newspaper never runs out of battery and does not depend on an internet connection.
Many readers may not realise how carefully newspapers are designed. The placement of stories, the size of headlines, and the use of photographs are all deliberate editorial choices. These decisions help readers understand which stories deserve attention and why they matter.
Like many sports enthusiasts, I begin reading from the back page. Others head straight to the editorial section, business pages, or crossword puzzle. The beauty of a newspaper is that every reader develops a personal relationship with it.
Equally important is the credibility associated with traditional newspapers. While no medium is infallible, printed newspapers generally follow established editorial processes that involve multiple layers of review and fact-checking before publication. In today’s fast-moving digital environment, where speed often takes precedence over accuracy, this remains an important strength.
Newspapers also offer something increasingly rare in the digital age: a broad view of the world. Online algorithms tend to show us more of what we already like and agree with. A newspaper, by contrast, exposes us to a wide range of topics—from local developments and national affairs to international events, science, culture, business, and sports. It often introduces us to issues we may not have actively searched for but are nevertheless important.
Then there are the simple pleasures that accompany newspaper reading. Solving a Sudoku puzzle, tackling a crossword, or enjoying a comic strip offers a welcome break from the constant stream of digital content. These activities engage the mind while providing a sense of relaxation.
Interestingly, many young people today are rediscovering older technologies. Vinyl records, film cameras, and basic mobile phones are making a comeback among those seeking a respite from constant digital stimulation. Perhaps this reflects a broader desire to reconnect with experiences that feel more tangible and less dictated by algorithms.
The printed newspaper belongs in that conversation. It may no longer dominate our mornings as it once did, but it continues to offer something valuable: depth in an age of distraction, perspective in an age of information overload, and a quiet moment of reflection in an increasingly noisy world. Perhaps it is time to unfold a newspaper once again and rediscover the simple joy of reading.
