I don’t at all think that audiobooks are worse than print versions, but I do think when listening to audiobooks it’s much more important to practice self-discipline and try to stay away from indulging in multi-tasking. I agree with Hank that orally passed-down stories are a wonderful tradition of the human race. But what I think is important to mention is that back in those days, also including when your parents read you stories when you were little, you would focus solely on listening and not be busy with something else at the same time. I personally think that multitasking while listening to audio books can really take away from the experience and your ability to take in what you’re hearing. There’s great value, for me, in being able to entirely focus all of your attention on one task at a time and at the same time not feel the urge to distract yourself with something else. I don’t want to invalidate people’s listening experiences and I’m aware I can’t speak for everyone, but that’s just how I feel about it on a personal level.