NEW research has reignited the debate over handwriting versus typing, finding that handwriting engages the brain more deeply, activating wider networks linked to movement, memory, and cognition. In contrast, typing, while faster and more efficient, elicits more limited neural activity and may result in shallower information processing.
The neuroscience of writing
The study, led by Giuseppe Marano and colleagues at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Rome, analysed a wide range of neuroimaging and electrophysiological studies to understand how handwriting and typing affect brain function. Using techniques such as functional MRI and electroencephalography (EEG), the researchers compared how each form of writing stimulates brain regions associated with motor control, sensory perception, language, and higher-order cognitive processing.
Their findings revealed that handwriting activates a broader and more integrated neural network, particularly within the premotor and parietal cortices, cerebellum, and hippocampus, areas responsible for fine motor coordination, spatial awareness, and memory consolidation. Typing, by contrast, relies on repetitive keystrokes and limited motor pathways, resulting in less sensory feedback and reduced cognitive engagement.
Implications for learning and education
The researchers argue that these neural differences explain why students who take handwritten notes often perform better on recall tests than those who type. The tactile, kinaesthetic feedback of handwriting strengthens the brain’s ability to encode and retain information, enhancing comprehension and creativity.
The authors suggest that educational systems should integrate handwriting practice alongside digital literacy, especially in early childhood, to support cognitive development and emotional regulation.
While typing has become indispensable in modern communication, the evidence from this study shows that handwriting continues to provide unique neurocognitive benefits—reminding us that pen and paper still hold remarkable power in shaping how we think and learn.
Reference
Marano G et al. The Neuroscience Behind Writing: Handwriting vs. Typing-Who Wins the Battle? Life (Basel). 2025;15(3):345.
