Gen Z losing handwriting skill,needs to blend digital smarts with old-school skills like handwriting
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
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Gen Z students often struggle when they need to do anything handwritten. They’re left feeling “bewildered” when asked to write clearly because they’re out of practice, resulting in messy scribbles that are hard to read ….
The drop in handwriting skills isn’t just about sending letters or postcards; it touches on how Gen Z sees and understands their surroundings. Handwriting usually means thoughtful, personal communication – a big contrast to the often hasty nature of digital texts ….
As we navigate this changeover period, it’s crucial for educators, parents, and policymakers to find ways that blend digital smarts with old-school skills like handwriting in education systems worldwide – Indian Defence Review
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Handwriting is starting to feel like a lost art, especially for Generation Z – those born between the late 1990s and early 2010s. This shift makes us wonder about the future of how we communicate and think in a fast-moving digital world.
A recent study from the University of Stavanger, Norway found something pretty alarming – around 40% of Gen Zers are losing their grip on handwritten communication, a skill that’s been key to human interaction for about 5,500 years, writes Indian Defence Review.
How tech is changing interaction
Digital technology has totally changed how we chat with each other. Apps like WhatsApp and social media sites such as Instagram push us toward quick messages full of abbreviations and emojis.
With these platforms taking over, writing by hand is becoming less common among younger folks. Nowadays, keyboards and touchscreens are everywhere – from schoolwork to work emails.
Some experts believe Gen Z might be the first generation not to really nail down functional handwriting. This isn’t just about ease; it points to bigger shifts in how we handle information and connect with others.
As digital communication takes center stage, we’re losing the personal touch that comes with handwritten notes.
Handwriting matters for your brain
Writing by hand is super important for brain development – it gets your brain working in ways typing just doesn’t. It’s tied to key skills like remembering stuff and understanding what you read or hear.
Handwriting demands fine motor skills and mental focus, which help reinforce learning.
Reports from several universities, backed up by stories in the Turkish newspaper Türkiye Today, show that Gen Z students often struggle when they need to do anything handwritten. They’re left feeling “bewildered” when asked to write clearly because they’re out of practice, resulting in messy scribbles that are hard to read.
What teachers are noticing
Professor Nedret Kiliceri has seen firsthand that today’s college students often lack basic writing know-how.
Many avoid crafting long sentences or coherent paragraphs, choosing instead short sentences that look more like social media posts than essays.
Plus, it’s common for students to show up at university without pens, relying only on keyboards for note-taking and assignments.
You can’t overlook social media’s influence here. Sites like Twitter push for shortness and speediness, shaping how young people talk both online and face-to-face.
Impact on global communication
The drop in handwriting skills isn’t just about sending letters or postcards; it touches on how Gen Z sees and understands their surroundings. Handwriting usually means thoughtful, personal communication – a big contrast to the often hasty nature of digital texts.
So here’s the big question: can Generation Z juggle their digital lives while keeping alive these age-old skills that have shaped society? The answers will shape not just how we communicate but also our grasp on cultural heritage.
As we navigate this changeover period, it’s crucial for educators, parents, and policymakers to find ways that blend digital smarts with old-school skills like handwriting in education systems worldwide.
Encouraging practices that mix both worlds could help future generations keep vital cognitive abilities while moving forward with tech advancements.
In the end, seeing why handwriting matters might spark a new appreciation for its role in building deeper connections in our ever-more-digital landscape.
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