THE TIMELESS CHARM

Importance of Handwritten Letters in a Digital Age.

- Santosh Pattanaik

The advent of the digital age marked a radical shift in communication. The rapid development of technology began to replace traditional modes with emails and text messages. The rise of social media further accelerated this transformation, offering instantaneous, global accessibility that traditional letter writing could not match.

Undeniably, digital platforms have made communication faster and more convenient, but what about the heartfelt sentiments of receiving a handwritten letter? Despite its convenience and efficiency, digital communication has brought with it a sense of depersonalisation, missing the intimate and thought-out nature of handwritten letters.

In the digital age, writing by hand may seem outdated and unnecessary. However, the numerous benefits of handwriting are often overlooked. Firstly, handwriting remains an essential functional skill, particularly for academic examinations, as students who cannot write legibly and articulately face disadvantages. Furthermore, writing by hand has cognitive benefits, reinforcing reading and language processing skills while improving memory.

Writing letters enhances a student's writing abilities. It encourages them to slow down, think critically, and express themselves more clearly and precisely.

Whether crafting a persuasive argument in an essay, writing a compelling cover letter for a job application, or simply expressing gratitude to a teacher or mentor, the ability to communicate effectively through writing is invaluable. Parents, schools, and institutions play a crucial role in preserving the practice of letter writing. Often, it is through learning in the classroom that the fundamentals and appreciation of this form of communication are instilled.