Smartphones Killed Handwriting. Let’s Bring It Back.

Writing by hand can help you think, remember and learn better: Here’s how to do it in the digital world

Screens and keyboards can't kill the paper notebook, says WSJ's David Pierce. Here's why you might still need one. Photo/Video: Emily Prapuolenis/The Wall Street Journal

When I go to meetings, I normally bring my laptop to take notes. I type pretty fast, and it’s nice to have my email right there in case things get boring. But recently I’ve been doing the unthinkable—bringing pen and paper, and writing notes by hand. I have to tell you, it’s been great.

Handwriting has lost its importance in society. Some schools don’t even teach cursive anymore. Yet studies have repeatedly shown that writing by hand can help you process and remember information far better than typing. A 2014 study found that...