A recent Frontiers in Psychology study has found that handwriting activates the brain far more than typing-especially in areas linked to memory and learning.

Researchers Audrey van der Meer and Ruud van der Weel at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) tracked students’ brain activity using scalp electrodes. They discovered that handwriting triggered stronger connections between movement-related brain regions and memory centers compared to typing. Slowly forming each letter appears to give the brain extra time to store information.

Interestingly, the study didn’t test whether this boost in brain activity directly improves recall, but scientists say the neurological evidence is clear—handwriting and typing use different brain processes.

When should you write by hand? Experts suggest handwriting is best for tasks like flashcards, quick notes, and study sessions. It’s especially helpful when you need to process and retain information. For longer tasks like essays, typing remains more efficient.

Beyond learning benefits, researchers warn against abandoning handwriting in schools, calling it a crucial skill that supports cognitive development. Writing by hand also carries an irreplaceable personal touch—whether it’s crafting a heartfelt note or jotting down a grocery list.

The bottom line: don’t ditch your pen just yet-your brain might thank you for it.