The one skill that Gen Z is losing, one that humans have had for 5,500 years

For millennia, writing has stood as a cornerstone of human communication, offering a window into ancient societies and cultures. Today, however, the relentless advancement of technology is steering younger generations toward digital devices, leaving traditional handwriting in the shadows. This shift is causing Generation Z to lose a fundamental skill.

The decline of handwriting skills

Born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, Generation Z appears to be losing proficiency in handwriting, a skill once integral to personal expression and communication. Recent studies from the University of Stavanger reveal that approximately 40% of this generation is weakening their ability to communicate through writing. This decline stems from their constant interaction with smartphones, computers, and other digital gadgets, raising critical questions about our evolving communication abilities.

Digital technology has transformed direct communication methods, sidelining handwriting in favor of instant messages, abbreviations, and screen-based interactions. Experts suggest that Generation Z might be the first cohort functionally incapable of handwriting. Moreover, handwriting plays a crucial role in cognitive development by enhancing memory and word comprehension, engaging the brain differently than typing does.

Global communication implications

Various studies and university professors report that Generation Z students often struggle when required to switch from keyboards to handwriting. Like any skill neglected over time, their handwriting has noticeably deteriorated, frequently appearing messy and hard to read.

Professor Nedret Kiliceri notes that even university students lack basic writing skills. According to his findings, students no longer craft coherent paragraphs but instead use lengthy sentences with varied meanings. This trend is evident in universities, where most students rely solely on computers for all tasks, abandoning pens and paper entirely. Professor Kiliceri attributes this to the influence of social media.

Furthermore, the erosion of handwriting skills affects more than just writing letters or postcards; it profoundly impacts how Generation Z perceives and interprets the world. Handwriting is often associated with more reflective and personal communication, contrasting with the impulsive nature of digital texts.

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