Is Reading Comprehension Obsolete?

My previous post touched the surface of the effect on bookstore closing on society.  I still have much to write on that particular subject and while having my brainstorming conversation in my head about it it led me to ask the question, "Is reading comprehension obsolete?"

I ask this because most Ebooks and Ereaders come with the option to have the text read aloud.  I have one audible book downloaded to my Kindle, "Go the F--- to sleep!" read by Samuel L. Jackson.  It was free and recommended on Facebook so I said, "What the heck."  Samuel L. Jackson does an amazing job reading the text and the words are certainly enhanced by his ability. I laughed and laughed as he read because I could total relate to his angst, anger, and frustration.

In reality I did not READ the book. I listened to the book and believe that my "listening comprehension" was spot on.  I got the jist of the book, as well as the literal meaning of the text.   I could make personal connections as well as inter-textual connections of the reading. I am positive had I read the text I would be able to do the same as well.  Text readability was far below my reading level and it was engaging.  I certainly had ownership of the text having been a parent with the same exact feelings (and currently feeling that way) many, may times.

But how about that non-reader or emergent readers?  I spend a lot of time with my children around literacy activities.  My 3 year old and my 5 year old have a large bank of sight words and have their own strategies to decode words that they are unable to read. They love to have us sit with books and read it to them and they love to have the Ipad "read" books to them.  It makes me wonder...will they really NEED to read in their adult lives?  And if not, should I spend more time on building their listening comprehension?!!!

Audible books allow us to enjoy the gift of stories while we do other things such as drive, or shower, or cook a meal.  They are perfect for multi-taskers who feel as though they can't afford the luxury of sitting down and reading.  I really do not believe that they are aimed at the illiterate population.  However, as technology advances will the necessity of reading for comprehension die out?