Recent research reveals that a substantial portion of Russians still relies on handwritten planning. In a survey summarized by Remarklee and reviewed by socialbites.ca, 43.3% of respondents admit they constantly write planned tasks with a pen, while 35.3% do so often. A smaller group, 16%, occasionally notes with a pen, and 4.3% report not writing anything at all.
When asked about daily organization, 41.7% of participants typically capture work or school assignments with a pen. More than a quarter, 27.3%, maintain a daily chores list in handwriting. Just over 14% describe writing everything at once with a pen, and 4.8% keep personal diaries or notes in this way.
The study also highlights habits around diary-keeping and private note-taking. More than 60% of respondents enjoy writing in diaries or journals regularly, while about a quarter express indifference. A smaller portion, 9.6%, admit feeling obligated to write even if their preference lies elsewhere, and 3.2% say they neither enjoy nor practice diary writing with a pen. Remarkably, only 1.1% indicate an interest in replacing handwritten notes with digital devices entirely.
Experts in social psychology weigh in on the value of private handwriting. Nina Rubshtein, a sociopsychologist and founder of a school focused on contemporary Russian psychology, emphasizes several benefits of keeping diaries by hand. He notes that handwriting strengthens fine motor skills, which in turn supports neural networks and the functioning of higher mental tasks such as attention, reasoning, visual memory, imagination, spatial awareness, and coherent speech. The act of writing by hand also deepens memory consolidation, as individuals focus on the words they record and derive more meaning from their descriptions during the process.
In addition to cognitive advantages, Rubshtein points to the physical effort involved in handwriting as a factor in memory retention. The exertion required to capture experiences can help embed those experiences more firmly in memory, making them easier to recall later. These observations shed light on why many people continue to rely on pen and paper in an age of digital tools.
Experts suggest that handwriting remains a common practice across generations, serving as a reliable method for organizing tasks, preserving thoughts, and reinforcing memory. While digital notes offer convenience, the ritual of writing by hand can provide a tangible sense of control and personal engagement that some find particularly beneficial. This perspective helps explain the enduring appeal of private notes and diaries in both personal and professional contexts, even as technology integrates more into daily life in Canada, the United States, and beyond.
In summary, the study underscores a nuanced landscape of note-taking preferences. Handwritten plans continue to play a meaningful role for many people, supporting memory, cognitive function, and personal reflection. Whether used for daily tasks, study schedules, or personal journaling, pen and paper remain a relevant tool for processing information and shaping daily routines across diverse populations.