In an increasingly digitalized world, paper still holds a special place in the hearts of Belgians. This is revealed by a survey conducted by Papier.be, featured in the magazine En Marche of the Mutualité Chrétienne in October 2025. Far from being a mere relic of the past, the printed document today embodies trust, readability, and a moment of respite amid hyperconnectivity.
A Strong Preference for Paper
The study, conducted among 10,000 people, shows that 52% of respondents prefer printed documents. The reasons are clear: better readability, reading comfort, and a sense of reliability. Paper is perceived as a stable, tangible medium that inspires trust, especially for official or confidential documents.
An Intergenerational Trend
Contrary to common assumptions, this preference is not limited to older generations. Two out of five young people aged 18 to 24 say they favor paper for confidential documents. This figure is striking: it reflects an attachment to the physical medium even among digital natives, often considered exclusively focused on digital formats.
Paper, a Refuge in a Connected World
Beyond practicality, paper seems to offer a welcome pause in a screen-saturated daily life. It becomes a space to breathe, a moment of focus, even disconnection. This emotional and sensory dimension of paper contributes to its appeal, especially in professional or administrative contexts.
Archives Conseil: Preserving the Value of the Printed Document
At Archives Conseil, we observe every day how paper remains a key vector of trust in institutional, legal, and heritage-related exchanges. The traceability, preservation, and enhancement of physical documents are an integral part of our mission. In a world where digital technologies continue to advance, we support our clients with a hybrid approach in which paper retains its full relevance.