I vote yes on the ground that I do not always use terms literally. Listening to a book is not "literally" reading a book but it's close enough to use the same term in most contexts, and in the rare circumstances when the distinction really matters, you can clarify

Also, I think the whole thread so far is this meme

it is a form of content and information consumption but it is not.. reading

No they count as listening.

However, they do count in terms of consuming a book so it depends if you mean reading literally or not. Since we traditionally use the term read to describe consuming a book I think if you listened to an audiobook you can say "I read that book" to signal you are familiar with it and consumed its contents even though you didn't technically read it, you listened to someone else read it.

Using read to describe consuming an audiobook is akin to addressing a group of people who are not all male as guys. It's just socially understood though not technically correct.

Half the time when I'm reading, it's verbalized in my head as if it were an audiobook, anyway.

Here's an observation. Some people have a hard time focusing and absorbing audiobooks. Others like me actually absorb knowledge more readily via audio. I read and listen but I know people that get distracted with audio in ways I do not. I find it more difficult to read and absorb the info.

Know yourself. Do what works. Don't get distracted by what other say is the right method.

I checked the comments before voting, and changed my mind. NO.

no, you're listening but you can still learn from them

Definitely not. You have to read the words, not just hear them. 🤠

Yes, they are not different. They are actually same thing at least in my case. I listen to audiobooks while driving and don't feel much difference if it's slow audio.

It depends upon context! Audiobooks are fantastic for assigned readings or to garner general understanding, and they allow multitasking (driving, gym, housework, etc.). To truly understand and alter your behavior, actually reading is proof of work. True proof of work does not lend itself to significant multitasking.

Feelings are different in both reading and listening. use whatever you like

No it doesn't count as reading. Audio books emphasize the use of your ears therefore it is not considered reading.

For me yes. Because I have tired eyes and cannot read properly on paper or ebook. So I am forced to listen audio books.

Audiobooks were a game changer for me when I used to commute. I was able to learn so much. Honestly, what other people think about reading vs listening matters little to me. The point is knowledge building and entertainment. I don't read to impress anyone. I find the type of people that do insufferable.

It is not reading. It's like a friend telling you a story.

Reading engages a different part of your brain.

For me, listening to audiobooks is not something I do without something else going on. I listen to audiobooks when I drive. This way, I can quasi-absorb a book while driving without impairing my ability to drive. It fits in a different place in my head and I gain most of the info in a book. It feels like a good use of time while driving. Driving for me is not something I do for it's own sake. I use it for transportation. Therefore, listening to a book is a good use of the time.

However, my recall of listening to a book is far lower than my recall reading a book. So no. It is not reading.

Also, I never sit still, close my eyes and listen to an audiobook. I would much prefer to read a physical book. I like to reread complex paragraphs and go at my own pace, not the pace set by the narrator.

No. You don't teach people how to listen to audio books. You do teach them how to read.

One could read by candle light before electricity was invented, so no. Also, reading to your children is not the same as your children reading!

Reading is painting in your own imagery the characters, the views, the feelings and sounds and fragrances. You're 100% on it, you can't be anywhere else

You listen to audiobooks when doing something else (most likely) as driving, training or whatever. That is consumption...may be consumption of a good old story, but still consumption.

FUCK YES THEY DO. What if I was blind?

Pre Bitcoin, Audible save my life

Post Bitcoin, Bitcoin-Audible (By Guy Swann) saved my life

I mean, it’s not technically reading but you’re still consuming the same content as if you were reading. I’ve always thought discounting listening to books as silly.

I would count it. Although it isn’t literally reading, it is in the sense that the data is being uploaded to your brain. Of course, one could say that understanding and retention could be reduced, but at least you can talk to someone about it to a certain extent.

In common usage now, I'd say most people will say they read a book when they listened to the audiobook. I've noticed with a fair number of friends in the past... maybe 5 years or so.

Yes. When your mommy read you a book did you remember it?

They do. I've learned so much from audio books over the years. As for retaining info, it might not be as good but you can always listen to the book again while you're doing chores or driving.

audio books count as learning if you pay attention

don't worry about if something counts as reading

Reading and listening are different things.

TheWildHustle worked at a bookstore for a couple of years, had a few literary zealots protesting e-books.... they didn't count the e-book as being......a book, and thought their favorite bookstores' life might be in jeopardy. Major bookstores started going out of business shortly afterwards.

Not reading but still a good way to learn and consume material

Of course it counts as reading. It is something that we take for granted if you are using your phonetic loop then it counts similar to reading.

No but it is the only way I can consume books now that I have kids.

No I don't think most of the time audiobook listener even not listining the book they just do their work what they are doing

well despite increasing your potential hearing focus and just closing your eyes i think yeah, it is form of creating and producing such scenarios as you use more power depends on the reader's rhythme i suppose it is better than reading and suits all time long not like actually reading since it would time consuming and your eyes would be all time working besides of that you must always find a good spot to start reading a book not like listening to ot which all time beneficial. hope that helps

Its listening as you use your ears. For reading, you need your eyes to be centred towards the text.

For example they are just like a bike and a car. Both are means of transport, however very different but used in the same purpose.

We have five senses. They are very different to each other in many ways. But sometimes, one sense can lead to same result as the other can. For example, the food that smells good will definitely be tasteful.

No no but not at all!! A book is your companion... it is your friend, there is nothing more gratifying than touching its pages and the emotion that is felt when the story is at its most exciting and you gently turn the page and find something different than what your mind imagined!! and that makes you more addicted and you don't want to stop until the story is over!! listening to it is more difficult for you to understand it well... it is like filling your mind with something very valuable to which you are not giving the due respect and attention!!

Count as listening 🎧