A new study by the University of Edinburgh has revealed a surprising trend among Gen Z students: despite widespread access to laptops and AI-powered tools, a significant number prefer handwriting essays and notes instead of relying solely on gadgets. According to the research, around 86% of students still choose to type their essays, but a growing movement toward “analog learning” is reshaping how young people study.
For example, Nick, a philosophy student at Cambridge, decided to abandon his laptop for most academic tasks. While he still types essays, his lectures, notes, and study plans are all written by hand. He explained that pen and paper help him focus, eliminating digital distractions like YouTube. Another student, Felix, completely gave up on using laptops, carrying only notebooks and pens to the library. He noted that writing without the option to copy-paste forces him to think critically, crafting each sentence with care and taking full responsibility for his work.
This anecdotal evidence is supported by neuroscience research. A team at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that handwriting activates the brain’s creative and cognitive regions far more than typing. Handwritten notes require students to process information, encouraging deeper comprehension and long-term memory retention. The use of diagrams and sketches in notebooks further enhances recall and makes studying more engaging.
Interestingly, some students are taking analog learning even further. Martha, a student from Edinburgh, avoids laptops altogether and even types her essays on a mechanical typewriter. Identifying herself as a “modern-day Luddite,” she believes this method forces higher discipline and originality, even though friends think it’s unconventional. Martha argues that handwriting and typewriting create a deeper connection to ideas and preserve the emotional depth of human expression.
Still, students acknowledge drawbacks. Unlike digital files, paper notes are harder to search through, and editing essays without a laptop can be time-consuming. Yet many say these challenges actually make them more organized and intentional learners. For some, rejecting reliance on tools like ChatGPT is also a statement of academic integrity. As Martha put it, “I want to create something myself, not get the same text that AI gives to everyone else.”
In conclusion, the rise of analog study habits among Gen Z students highlights a pushback against digital overload. While laptops and AI remain essential tools, a growing number of students see handwriting as a path to focus, creativity, and authenticity. This shift suggests that the future of education may not be purely digital, but rather a hybrid approach where analog methods reclaim their place in the learning process.
