For all the conveniences that an e-reader affords, from the ability to curate an extensive library to being able to read just about anywhere you go, there are downsides to not reading from a physical, tangible book. There certainly is a different feel to reading from an actual book, especially one that has been worn and loved over time; a digital tablet just can’t recreate that special feeling no matter how hard it tries.

However, there is a different, more concerning, emerging problem with e-readers in general and the Kindle in particular, and it’s something you need to be mindful of right away.

Ebooks are susceptible to changes

Recent alterations to old stories raise concern

Readers recently discovered changes made to the book Pretty Little Liars. Published in 2006, a reader noted a reference to TikTok in the story, pointing to changes made in a copies of the novel, both digital editions and a recently published set. The initial confusion and shock over the changes point to a greater issue and should signal alarm bells for everyone who enjoys reading and is concerned about preserving artifacts.

These changes were clearly made to try to appeal to a new generation of readers, however hollow and silly that attempt may seem. It also doesn’t seem like anyone involved in the decision was too eager to announce these changes to the public. These changes, however minor, mean that any digital book could be altered in the quest for more readers and more money. It also means they could be changed to censor content that people in power don’t want available, or to change ethical or moral mistakes made by authors who don’t want their work revisited.

Digital stories are often adjusted

Streaming and downloading present risk

While so many people embrace the convenience of streaming and downloading media, it’s important to remember that these titles and stories aren’t really yours. Netflix, Disney+, and all the other services regularly change their libraries, providing you with a rotating catalog of entertainment. That entertainment can be altered, too.

These changes have happened often. If a service deems certain content inappropriate amid current sensibilities, they may cut scenes or remove entire episodes altogether. Services may also edit shows or movies to address errors in the original copy, like when someone leaves a coffee cup in the background of a medieval fantasy show.

Some of these changes may seem innocuous enough, but that ability to change TV shows and movies extends to ebooks. Anytime you’re enjoying a digital copy of something that you don’t physically own, you run the risk of having that story altered in some way.

Amazon’s actions are worrisome

Be wary about Kindle features and services

Amazon’s reach in the storytelling world makes the revelation and possibilities even more unsettling. Amazon and all its entertainment services have a shared goal of engagement: they want as many people to watch, listen, use, and shop on all of its services and apps as much as possible. Whether it’s Amazon’s uninspired original movies that feel like they’re written by A.I., or its complete lack of support for authors on its dated app Goodreads, it’s clear the company is not interested in any kind of art whatsoever. That Amazon boss Jeff Bezos recently gutted the Washington Post certainly makes you wonder how dedicated the company is to anything written and thoughtful.

The Kindle provides access to countless books, putting myriad stories right at your fingertips. If you already have one, don’t go throwing it away just yet. But you certainly can jump ship on Goodreads, and you don’t need to pay any money for Kindle Unlimited or Audible. Books are free at your local library. For now.

Take your Kindle off Wi-Fi

Disconnect and avoid potential changes

One way to protect yourself from updates is to keep your Kindle off Wi-Fi as often and as long as possible. You may lose the convenience of being able to send ebooks directly to your tablet, but the advantages are myriad. Disconnecting your Kindle and taking it offline means that your device and your library can’t update automatically, potentially changing the contents of your catalog.

You can skirt some ads as well this week, and prevent yourself from getting lost in Amazon’s shopping network. There’s also the added bonus of removing distraction. Reading is a personal journey and doesn’t require any kind of online connection. You’ll be better served without the possibility of scrolling or the temptation to navigate elsewhere. While you’re at it, turn off automatic updates on any device you use to stream or download entertainment.

Safeguard against future changes

The best way to ensure your favorite stories aren’t drastically or even subtly changed without your approval is by investing in physical media as often as possible. Buy your favorite books, whether brand new or second hand, and keep them safely preserved. Particularly as institutions should to remove certain books from public consumption, it’s now more important than ever to guard cherished, important stories.

This endeavor should extend to movies and TV shows, too, as well as music. As long as you’re streaming media and not enjoying that media offline, you run the risk of that media being changed. Keep in mind that if you own the latest gen gaming console, you’re able to play Blu-rays, DVDs, and CDs. Just be careful that anything you play on your devices isn’t vulnerable to online changes. That way, George Lucas won’t find out that you have a copy of the original Star Wars trilogy without all the ugly changes.