Why Writing by Hand Matters in Digital Age
Almost half of Gen Zers find it difficult to write by hand

In a recent study by the University of Stavanger, it was found that a staggering 40% of Generation Z members find handwritten communication challenging. In an increasingly digital world, screens have replaced notebooks and keyboards have taken the place of pens and pencils. It’s an important study in the light that if this is not addressed now, it’s possible that writing by hand will be an obsolete practice after a few decades. The dependence on digital writing tools not only makes mankind lose a crucial skill but also an important cognitive exercise.
“Writing plays a crucial role as a brain exercise because it engages multiple cognitive processes simultaneously, such as memory, attention, organization, and problem-solving. Writing is an essential tool for reinforcing cognitive functions and training the brain, making it a valuable component of cognitive programmes,” says Dr C Manjula Rao, a psychologist.
“Writing by hand activates more parts of the brain than typing, leading to deeper learning and stronger skills. Unlike typing, handwriting requires sustained attention, discipline, and patience, helping children develop concentration skills,” says Meghana Musunuri, chairperson of Fountainhead Global School & Junior College.
“Handwriting is a foundational skill that supports cognitive development, motor skills, memory, and creativity. Encouraging children to practise handwriting regularly through journaling, storytelling, or even simple doodling can greatly benefit their overall growth. Avoiding it, on the other hand, may lead to weaker motor coordination, reduced focus, and lower academic performance. Therefore, integrating handwriting into daily learning remains essential, even in the digital age,” she adds.
Writing by hand is important because it helps in...
Memory Reinforcement: Writing helps reinforce learning by encoding information more deeply in memory. It requires recalling, organizing, and articulating thoughts, which strengthens neural connections involved in memory and recall.
Attention and Focus: Writing demands sustained attention and concentration, which are key cognitive skills. It can help improve focus and reduce distractions over time.
Executive Function: Cognitive retraining often focuses on improving executive functions like planning, decision-making, and problem-solving. Writing tasks can require users to structure their thoughts, which helps strengthen these higher-level cognitive functions.
Language and Communication: Writing improves verbal expression and language skills. It encourages individuals to organize and clarify their thoughts, fostering better communication and language processing.
Cognitive Flexibility: Writing can involve switching between different ideas, perspectives, and tasks, helping to improve cognitive flexibility, the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
Emotional Expression and Processing: Writing also provides a means to express emotions, which can be therapeutic. This emotional engagement aids cognitive retraining by promoting self-reflection and emotional regulation.
As told by Dr C. Manjula Rao