Pen versus Computer
For centuries, people have used pens, pencils, and paper as their primary tools for note-taking, journaling, and writing stories. These days, people use computers as their go-to writing tool. While each has advantages and disadvantages, I wonder – is the pen mightier than the computer?
Advantages of the Pen (or pencil)
Writing with a pen can be an intimate and personal experience and a form of meditation. The tactile sensations are calming and meditative. The feeling of the pen or pencil against the paper, the sound of the lead scratching against the surface, and the visual of the words being created can be soothing. It embodies the idea of ‘the words just flowed’. Using a pen can also be a way to release stress, as writing can be a form of therapy and reflection.
Writing with a pen is often described as more “natural” than typing on a computer because a set of predetermined keys or a particular font does not limit you. Additionally, writing with a pen allows you to make changes and edits quickly and efficiently as you erase or cross out words and sentences. The benefit of crossing out words is that they are never really gone. As you rework your thoughts at a later date, those crossed-out words just might fit flawlessly. They remain for future pickings.
The freedom of writing with a pen can be liberating. A certain level of control comes with writing with a pen and allows you to focus solely on your thoughts and feelings without the distraction of external noise. Many writers agree that writing with a pen or pencil is an intimate and personal experience.
Advantages of the Computer
Writing with a computer is much faster than writing with a pen. You can type quickly, make corrections easily, and copy and paste text to move information from place to place. This makes it easier to finish tasks in a shorter amount of time. Computers also come with a spell checker, which can help quickly identify spelling or grammar mistakes. Although stopping to make corrections interrupts my creative flow.
Computers offer various formatting options that pens can’t match. For example, you can easily change your text’s font, size, color, and alignment. You can also incorporate images, charts, and graphs into your work. This makes it easier to create a visually appealing and organized document.
Some say that writing with a computer is better for the environment. Computers don’t require the use of paper, ink, or other resources that are needed for traditional writing instruments. Does this mean you can reduce your environmental footprint using a computer instead of a pen? Last I checked, computers require electricity, rare earth minerals, and other little-considered parts and pieces. This sounds like a conversation for another time.
Finally, writing with a computer is more secure. You can password-protect documents and store them in safe locations. This makes it easier for someone to access your notes or documents with your permission. In addition, you can keep all of your papers and notes in one place and easily access them from any location: no loose papers, floppy notebooks, or lost pages. Plus, you won’t have to later type everything from the written manuscript to the computer, and that’s a big time saver.
Sometimes I like to start with a pen, especially during brainstorming sessions. Then when the paper gets messy with random thoughts, I head over to the computer to get them organized and fleshed out. Often I go back and forth. I like to begin poetic works with a pen and fresh paper. Some say that one should never start to write on an empty page. Pen and paper are perfect for a pre-writing session doodle or two. How do you doodle on a computer?
I also wonder, does a pen preference have anything to do with the writer’s age? For example, do older people prefer to write longhand?
Ultimately, both pen and computer have their advantages and disadvantages. Can we have it both ways? What do you prefer?
PR
