{
  "id": 1858481,
  "title": "AI companies understand the value of owning books. Do we?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/ai-companies-understand-the-value-of-owning-books-do-we-1858481",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-19T03:04:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/books/2026/08/19/ai-companies-understand-the-value-of-owning-books-do-we/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Physical books, records, and films offer a unique experience that digital alternatives simply cannot replicate. Despite the convenience of streaming and digital purchases, there are certain elements that remain irreplaceable in the tangible world of media consumption.\n\nFirstly, books have a physical presence that lingers in the room, often remaining closed for extended periods. This constant proximity serves as a reminder and an invitation, drawing the reader back to the story again and again. A digital book, on the other hand, exists solely within the confines of a device, disappearing into the background once it is closed.\n\nSecondly, the process of selecting a physical book can be a deliberate act filled with intention. When choosing a book, record, or disc, we are actively engaging with our interests and desires, creating a more meaningful connection to the content. In contrast, digital selections are often made impulsively, adding to a list of passive consumption that can quickly become overwhelming.\n\nFurthermore, physical media allows for more than just the content itself. Books, records, and films come with a rich history and personal stories associated with them. Margins filled with notes, inscriptions, or bookmarks serve as a visual record of the reader's thoughts and experiences, preserving the individual journey through the material. This personal connection is lost when consuming media digitally, as it often lacks any tangible remnants of the reader's involvement.\n\nLastly, there is a sense of ritual and engagement that comes with physical media that is hard to replicate in digital formats. The act of handling a vinyl record, inserting a Blu-ray disc, or even pressing play on a streaming service can create a more immersive and intentional experience. While digital media can be convenient and accessible, it often lacks this personal touch and the opportunity for deeper exploration that physical media provides.\n\nIn today's fast-paced, digital world, it is easy to overlook the value and significance of physical media. However, it is essential to recognize and appreciate the irreplaceable qualities that books, records, and films bring to our lives, reminding us of the joy of discovery, the power of personal connection, and the beauty of a well-curated collection.",
  "summary": "Every time I move home, I understand the appeal of streaming. Books are heavy, records are fragile and boxes of films and games seem to multiply as soon as the movers arrive. In the UAE, where moving between apartments – or countries – is a familiar part of life, a library that fits on a phone is an easy sell. But any flirtation with going digital-only dissipates when I read the news. Have you…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "AI companies understand the value of owning books. Do we?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/ai-companies-understand-the-value-of-owning-books-do-we",
        "published": "2026-08-19T03:04:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}