I often postulate that any fact, finding, stat (surely opinion), or scientific finding is backed by such bias/agenda these days that you really can’t trust its veracity. Well, this study, as biased as it probably is, fits a narrative where I come out smelling like a rose, so I will surely claim this one as real, unbiased, and scientifically solid.
You can click the link above if you want, but the study explains that psychologists seem to agree, as the article’s subtitle states: People who write things down on a paper calendar instead of on their mobile phone have different mental processing. And since I am one of those people, I know these learned doctors are right!
And indeed, I am better than you because of my paper calendaring.
Some facts from the article, proving how much better than you I am:
- “…people who prefer a paper planner are often described as more conscientious, reflective and creative.”
- “Writing by hand, flipping pages and watching empty boxes fill up creates a tangible record of a life that feels satisfying in a way a swipe never quite does.”
- “…handwriting activates more widespread brain networks than typing, especially those tied to learning and memory. “
- “…paper-calendar loyalists also prize simplicity. “
- “…a recent paper not only showed greater activity in memory-related regions but also recalled the details about 25% faster than the smartphone group.”
I’m not really sure if all of the above is akin to reading a horoscope and instantly thinking “Yes, that’s me!” from the description of the supposed characteristics of your astrological sign; in effect, the old, ‘seeing what you want to see.’ And surely the above points point to the paper-calendaring person being more sensitive, emotionally grounded, smarter, and maybe even more self-aware…all things I pride myself on being…but I’m not so sure I really am. But I do have a great big ass calendar, and I write down dates I need to remember, and also scribble my daily ‘to-dos’ on a pad I keep to the side of my laptop. I don’t use my cell phone for calendar prompts or much else other than to make calls, give or get texts, take a picture, and check emails.
So, yes, I am better than you.
