In an Age of AI, Some Writers Still Swear By Pen and Paper
Barcelona - As artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT rapidly transform the writing landscape, a growing number of authors are deliberately choosing to remain analog, finding value in the tactile process of handwriting in notebooks.This resurgence of a customary practice isn’t simply nostalgia; writers argue that the slower, more intentional act of writing by hand fosters deeper thought, creativity, and a unique connection to their work – qualities they fear are lost in the speed and efficiency of digital composition.
The debate over the future of writing comes at a pivotal moment. While AI offers unprecedented tools for content creation, concerns are mounting about originality, authenticity, and the potential devaluation of human creativity. For these authors, the pen offers a refuge – a way to reclaim ownership of their thoughts and resist the homogenizing influence of algorithmic writing. This movement highlights a broader cultural tension between embracing technological advancement and preserving the human element in artistic expression.
“Writing by hand is a way of slowing down, of forcing yourself to think more carefully about each word,” explains one Spanish author, reflecting a sentiment echoed by writers across disciplines. “It’s a more intimate process, a conversation with yourself that isn’t mediated by a screen.”
The practice isn’t limited to fiction writers. Journalists, poets, and academics are also rediscovering the benefits of handwriting. Some report increased focus and reduced distractions, while others find that the physical act of writing unlocks different parts of their brains, leading to unexpected insights.
This return to analog methods also taps into a broader appreciation for craftsmanship and the tangible. In a world increasingly dominated by digital ephemerality, the permanence of ink on paper offers a sense of grounding and connection to a long literary tradition. As AI continues to evolve, the writers who choose to remain rooted in the physical act of writing may find themselves at the forefront of a movement to preserve the uniquely human qualities of storytelling.
Source: “Escribir a mano en la era del ChatGPT: los artesanos de la palabra” by Lara Gómez Ruiz, originally published in *La Vanguardia on May 27, 2025.*
