If you are reading these very lines in our newspaper, perhaps you’re one of the very few ones that still do. In this modern world, technological tools, especially the internet, have made it easier than ever to access all kinds of information from all parts of the world. High chances are you are reading this on our website through one of your devices. Because of the convenience that technology has brought in, the demand and readership of print media have been on a steady decline. The US Census Bureau reported a 31.6 million or 56% drop in the total estimated weekday circulation of US daily newspapers between 2000 and 2020. Let’s face it — even without showing you numbers, the fact that print media is “dying” is undeniable. This begs the question: is print media still relevant or necessary?

It’s apparent that the category where digital beats physical by a mile is convenience. With just a few clicks, you can be updated with the latest happenings anywhere at any time. However, as easy as it is to access these stories, so is making and uploading them. As a result, online platforms are now notoriously plagued by fake news and misinformation. When there are little to no regulations and institutions to hold disinformation peddlers accountable, how can one be sure of the reliability or trustworthiness of anything viewed from the internet? Print media, on the other hand, has a long-standing reputation for its careful editorial process and fact-checking, ensuring accurate and reliable reporting. While it’s easy to edit or delete articles online, it’s impossible to retract or correct things when they are already physically published and distributed. 

In line with its unmatched accuracy, print media also has the power to foster critical thinking in a way that digital platforms often struggle to achieve. Print media provides a respite from the constant barrage of information overload that digital platforms can induce. Computer algorithms are designed to show you contents that you might like based on your previous digital activities. While this might sound like a good feature, what it actually does is cultivate an opinion bias. It’s programmed to constantly reaffirm your preconceived beliefs by only suggesting articles that align with your opinions, depriving you of the whole picture. Meanwhile, the carefully curated content of print publications allows readers to engage with information more thoughtfully. They are exposed to diverse perspectives and in-depth analyses of different agendas, enabling them to fully digest and reflect upon the issue at hand. 

Despite the widespread access to digital technologies, there remains a significant portion of the population that faces barriers to accessing online content, particularly those in rural or economically disadvantaged areas. Print media ensures that vital news and information reach a wider audience, bridging the digital divide. Moreover, it caters to the needs of older or differently-abled individuals who may be less tech-savvy or prefer the familiarity of print. Print media also often caters to specific niche audiences and communities, The KAIST Herald being a prime example. These publications provide valuable insights, detailed analyses, and exclusive content that may not receive the same level of attention in the vast digital landscape. The continued production of print publications guarantees inclusivity, in the sense that there is something for every type of community.

If you have made it this far into the article, perhaps you are one of the few that still do believe in the relevance and necessity of print media. As a writer for a newspaper publication myself, I believe that there is artistry and craftsmanship in the work that we do. And I believe that even for KAIST students much more familiar with searching on the internet, there are benefits that print media can bring. Let me make one thing clear: I don’t advocate for print media being necessarily better than digital media; rather, I am arguing that each has its own advantages and disadvantages. More importantly, like how physical books and art manage to coexist with their digital counterparts, I believe that there is room for both print and pixel.