The Disappearing Art of Handwriting

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Last week, NPR had a great series on the role paper plays in an increasing digital world. As much as I like technology, I still like using notebooks to jot down ideas, story pitches and possible blog posts. I keep a notebook in my bag at all times and take it out whenever I want to write down what is going on in my mind. I go to a lot of in-person business meeting where I am nowadays the only person in the room writing down my notes, whereas everyone else is typing on some gadget. The great thing about writing on paper is that it is “crash-proof” and I don’t have to wait to “turn on” my notebook. You can write down your thoughts quicker than typing it on a computer, mobile or tablet. Most importantly, research shows that handwriting supports better learning and memory retention. Writing on paper is about being in the moment. So I was glad that NPR did this story and reminded me that I am not the last “analog dinosaur” standing, but I worry about the new generation of digital natives who are missing out.

Just in case you can’t read the above letter:

Last week, NPR had a great series on the role paper plays in an increasing digital world.  As much as I like technology, I still like using notebooks to jot down ideas, story pitches and possible blog posts.  I keep a notebook in my bag at all times and take it out whenever I want to write down what is going on in my mind.

I go to a lot of in-person business meeting where I am nowadays the only person in the room writing down my notes, whereas everyone else is typing on some gadget.

The great thing about writing on paper is that it is “crash-proof” and I don’t have to wait to “turn on” my notebook.  You can write down your thoughts quicker than typing it on a computer, mobile or tablet.  Most importantly, research shows that handwriting supports better learning and memory retention.  Writing on paper is about being in the moment.

So I was glad that NPR did this story and reminded me that I am not the last “analog dinosaur” standing, but I do worry about the new generation of digital natives who are missing out on this art form.