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8 Facts about Handwriting vs Typing

Woman writing in her journal

The debate between handwriting and typing has become increasingly relevant. As technology continues to advance, more and more people are relying on keyboards and touchscreens to communicate and record information. However, the question remains: is handwriting still a valuable skill, or is it becoming obsolete?

Whether you’re a student looking to optimize your study habits, a professional seeking to enhance your productivity, or simply someone curious about the impact of technology on our lives, this article provides ten facts into the ongoing debate surrounding handwriting and typing.

  1. Handwriting is better for memory retention than typing, regardless of age ². Research suggests that physically writing by hand engages more cognitive processes, leading to improved memory retention compared to typing.
  2. Handwriting can improve learning. A study found that writing by hand on paper is more effective for learning new words than typing on a keyboard ¹. Handwriting facilitates the creation of stronger neural connections, aiding the recall of information and forming deeper associations between concepts.
  3. Typing is faster than handwriting, but handwriting can be more efficient for certain tasks ⁴. Writing by hand can be slower than typing, potentially impacting the speed of note-taking and information processing.
  4. Handwriting can improve creativity. Writing by hand can help you generate more ideas and think more creatively than typing ⁵. Handwriting allows for personalized note-taking styles, including diagrams, symbols, and varied formatting, fostering creativity and individual expression.
  5. Handwriting can improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, especially in children.
  6. Typing can cause physical strain and lead to repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
  7. Handwriting can be more personal and expressive than typing, reflecting your unique style and personality.
  8. Typing is more accessible than handwriting for people with certain disabilities or impairments. Handwritten notes may be less accessible across different devices and locations, potentially posing challenges for organization and retrieval.

References

  1. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience: “Advantage of Handwriting Over Typing on Learning Words: Evidence From an N400 Event-Related Potential Index“
  2. Big Think: “Handwriting shown to be better for memory than typing, at any age“
  3. The Guardian: “Cognitive benefits of handwriting: Why we should learn to write“
  4. The New York Times: “What’s Lost as Handwriting Fades“
  5. Forbes: “Things That Make Us Smart“

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  1. Preface – Antinet Zettelkasten Summary
  2. Avoiding Unintended Plagiarism when making notes
  3. The Power of Regular Note-Taking: Increasing Output and Creativity
  4. Techniques to enhance idea generation through note-taking