Disadvantages of Print Media

Since the invention of movable type, printed media has been the primary way in which we receive and spread knowledge. We've built libraries to house books, subscribe to magazine delivered by mail and wrap fish in newspapers. However, the rise of the Internet highlights the disadvantages of the print medium of information.

Dullness

Printed media cannot capture the sound and movement required by an audience raised on the audio and video of television and the Internet.

Lead time

Because printed media involves production, information requires a lead time before it ever reaches you. Our fast-changing world might make that knowledge obsolete by the time it appears on the page and reaches your doorstep.

Materials

At minimum, printed materials require paper, which is harvested from trees; and ink, which comes from chemicals. Both require time-consuming and expensive processes to make.

Distribution

Print can only reach its audience when it is distributed through an infrastructure that requires vehicles and people, which costs money.

Waste

After you read printed media, you're left with material that you need to throw away. This waste continually accumulates in our landfills.