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Review
. 2025 Feb 22;15(3):345.
doi: 10.3390/life15030345.

The Neuroscience Behind Writing: Handwriting vs. Typing-Who Wins the Battle?

Giuseppe Marano  1   2   3 , Georgios D Kotzalidis  1   2 , Francesco Maria Lisci  1   2 , Maria Benedetta Anesini  1   2 , Sara Rossi  1   2 , Sara Barbonetti  1   2 , Andrea Cangini  4   5 , Alice Ronsisvalle  3 , Laura Artuso  3 , Cecilia Falsini  1   2 , Romina Caso  1   2 , Giuseppe Mandracchia  1   2 , Caterina Brisi  1   2 , Gianandrea Traversi  6 , Osvaldo Mazza  7 , Roberto Pola  8 , Gabriele Sani  1   2 , Eugenio Maria Mercuri  9 , Eleonora Gaetani  10   11 , Marianna Mazza  1   2   3
Affiliations
Review

The Neuroscience Behind Writing: Handwriting vs. Typing-Who Wins the Battle?

Giuseppe Marano et al. Life (Basel). .

Abstract

Background: The advent of digital technology has significantly altered ways of writing. While typing has become the dominant mode of written communication, handwriting remains a fundamental human skill, and its profound impact on cognitive processes continues to be a topic of intense scientific scrutiny.

Methods: This paper investigates the neural mechanisms underlying handwriting and typing, exploring the distinct cognitive and neurological benefits associated with each. By synthesizing findings from neuroimaging studies, we explore how handwriting and typing differentially activate brain regions associated with motor control, sensory perception, and higher-order cognitive functions.

Results: Handwriting activates a broader network of brain regions involved in motor, sensory, and cognitive processing. Typing engages fewer neural circuits, resulting in more passive cognitive engagement. Despite the advantages of typing in terms of speed and convenience, handwriting remains an important tool for learning and memory retention, particularly in educational contexts.

Conclusions: This review contributes to the ongoing debate about the role of technology in education and cognitive development. By understanding the neural differences between handwriting and typing, we can gain insights into optimal learning strategies and potential cognitive advantages, in order to optimize educational, cognitive, and psychological methodologies.

Keywords: cognition; electroencephalography; functional; handwriting; magnetic resonance imaging; typing.

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Conflict of interest statement

All authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA flow diagram of our search with reasons for exclusion.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Neural correlates of handwriting and typewriting.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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