Paper vs devices - which is better for organising and why?
In a fast paced, tech driven world, everything is moving so fast, with devices being at the forefront when it comes to innovation and trends. But, what if I told you that there is a better and more efficient way to organise and it involves going back to the basics.
Cognitive Processing and Memory Retention
Paper: Studies have shown that writing on paper helps us to retain information and better understand the information over typing. Forming each letter by hand engages more parts of the brain, helping to absorb deeper. So if you have a big to-do list, writing will help you remember what you need to do each day!
Devices: Although typing is faster and more efficient, we don't absorb information the same way as the focus is on speed rather than understanding.
Distractions and Focus
Paper: Immersing into writing is far easier and helps us to focus deeper than a device and there are no distractions like apps, social media and messages to snap us out of focus. Writing on paper helps us to plan and organise more productively, especially for busy daily schedules.
Devices: With the potential of higher distractions available to us on a device, the ability to stay with one task and not switching between tabs reduces our deep concentration and focus.
Speed and convenience
Paper: Writing does take more work, especially when writing a big task, however it is shown to help us write more thoughtful, deliberate work.
Devices: Typing is much faster and with auto-check and spelling and easy editing functions it is very convenient, however, speed can lead to less reflection during the writing process.
Emotional engagement and connection
Paper: Writers can feel a deeper sense of connection and higher emotions with their work. Slowly writing and the sensory feeling of ink on paper can trigger a deeper connection. This means journalling and putting emotions on paper can help us to reflect and acknowledge our emotions and sit with the day we've had.
Device: Typing on a device is seen to be more sterile and make us feel less engaged to our work.
Creativity and flow
Paper: Writing by hand has been associated with higher levels of creativity. The slower writing pace helps ideas to develop more organically, which is perfect for setting goals or creative writing, poetry or ideas we want to bring to fruition. The act of physically writing something out seems to engage both the logical and emotional areas of the brain that promotes creativity.
Device: Some people find that the faster pace of typing on a device as well as access to digital tools can make it harder to get into a flow state. Distractions and the "always-on" nature of devices can hinder our focus ability to spark creativity.
Wellbeing and self-care
Paper: Writing on paper is a more meditative act and won't contribute to digital burnout like devices will. The act of writing can help to feel less stressed, calm a busy brain and provide and mindful way of organising. A sense of calm and clarity when organising is a great daily ritual to reduce screen time and be more present in our day with less distraction.
Devices: Typing on devices can sometimes add to stress, especially if the screen is bright, if you’re switching between multiple apps, or if you’re receiving notifications while working. Using devices is seem to rob us of our dopamine, giving us mental fatigue. The highly stimulating nature of digital devices can also increase anxiety or a sense of urgency, making it harder to maintain a calm, focused mindset.