17. Reading a Computer Screen is Harder than Reading Paper

Computer screens, Kindles, and paper create different reading experiences. When you read on a computer screen, the image is not stable—it is being refreshed constantly, and the screen is emitting light. When you read text on paper the image is stable (not being refreshed), and instead of emitting light the paper is reflecting light. The refreshing of the image and emitting of the light on the computer display are tiring on the eyes. Electronic ink (as in the Kindle) mimics the appearance of ink on paper. It reflects light and holds the text stable without refreshing.

To make text on a computer screen easier to read, make sure you use a large enough font and create enough contrast between ...

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