Art And Skill Of Handwriting – Cognitive Benefits Of Handwriting, Disadvantages Of Typed Notes
Handwriting is a robust, cognitive, and neurological progression that improves learning, memory, and creativity. Handwriting is considered a lost art in the contemporary era. However, for thousands of years, it has been the leading way to prompt thoughts and communicate with fellow humans. When we form letters and words by hand, it occupies different parts of our brain in ways that inputting on a keyboard does not. Even though digital technology provides practicality and competence, it also comes with cognitive trade-offs, specifically in comprehension, retention, and deep engagement with data.
Studies have shown that writing by hand stimulates several regions of the brain, especially those linked with motor skills, conceptualization, and critical thinking. One of the most vibrant cognitive aids of handwriting is that it fortifies our memory and understanding. This engagement improves information processing significantly, making it easier for people to recall things later. When we write notes by finger, we abridge and restate the thoughts in our own words instead of simply transliterating, as typically happens with typing. Synthesis enhances comprehension of ideas and creates more authoritarian neural connections. On the other hand, typing only leads to verbatim note-taking, which is much less operative for long-term retention of information as it bypasses the cognitive effort required for active processing.
Many writers, artists, and thinkers rely on handwriting for brainstorming as it facilitates the free-flowing of thoughts and feelings without any distractions from digital interfaces. This individuality can make journaling or writing by hand more powerful, intimate, and expressive, unlike typing on a digital screen. There is also a strong emotional and personal element to handwriting. Each person’s writing style is unique, shaped by their personality, mood, and subconscious patterns. Another advantage of handwriting is that it nurtures creativity and problem-solving. The slower, more deliberate nature of writing by hand encourages introspection and the generation of new ideas.
It is, however, imperative to note that despite these advantages, handwritten notes come with their own share of downsides, particularly in fast-paced environments. Typing enables rapid documentation, making it easier to keep up with lectures, meetings, or brainstorming sessions. Digital tools offer additional features such as instant searchability and better organization of notes, reducing the time spent sifting through handwritten pages. Additionally, for people with poor handwriting skills or motor hitches, typing can be an improved way to manage their notes.
Nevertheless, the efficiency of typed notes comes at the expense of depth and improved brain functioning. As typing is quicker, it results in a passive approach to information processing where quantity is prioritized over quality. The ease of copying and pasting also diminishes the need to engross ideas critically. In contrast, the tactile nature of handwriting requires more effort and coordination and results in a sturdier mental imprint. Hence, researchers strongly recommend cultivating a writing habit, as it can boost memory and enhance brain function for improved information processing.