I have zero interest in the discourse over audiobooks versus physically reading books on paper. Both have their merits. Engaging with either is a far more beneficial thing than starting pointless fights on the internet.
People seem to have forgotten how stories began, or that we still have oral tales taught throughout the world. Writing things down is fairly new, people used to hold epics in their skull and recite them with gravitas to crowds or in hushed and dramatic whispers to children.
The idea that listening isn't reading is insane to me.
My memory doesn't work well with spoken words if I'm even a little distracted. I need to see the words to retain the information, or I have to make the audio my sole focus, which means if I'm going to listen to a story (audiobook, podcast, video, doesn't matter) I have to focus entirely on it. It's the same as sitting down to read a book for me.
Which is where I think the issue lies?
Here's one reader who takes time out of their day to sit and read, it is an event, it is special.
Here's another who listens to their book while doing chores or running errands, it is not an event on its own it is mulitasking.
Both are retaining the story, both enjoying the story.
One of them is jealous.
I know I am, but it's not their fault so I'm not rampaging about it.
