Generation Z struggles with lost skill of writing

In a world dominated by technology and social media, Generation Z—those born into a digital age—are struggling with basic writing skills.

Despite undergoing rigorous testing from elementary school to university, many students in Türkiye find themselves unable to express themselves clearly in writing, especially as they reach higher education.

Professor Nedret Kiliceri, speaking to the Turkish daily Hurriyet, emphasizes that even university students lack the knowledge of fundamental writing rules, with many unable to properly express themselves on paper.

Digital generation faces new challenges

Students in Türkiye’s universities, born into an era of technology, have built their lives on digital platforms. This generation, often associated with test-based learning, faces a unique set of challenges when it comes to traditional writing.

Despite the shift to digital learning, the transition from screen to pen has proven difficult, with many students struggling to write legibly or form coherent arguments in long-written texts.

Poor handwriting and lack of expression

Professor Kiliceri explains that many students’ handwriting has deteriorated due to the lack of handwriting training.

“Students’ writing either slopes downward or upward across the page, and their handwriting is often unreadable. In the past, students were more accustomed to using paper and pen, but now they are interacting with screens and keyboards from an early age. Their handwriting, particularly in secondary school and university, suffers as a result,” she said.

She also noted that certain letters, such as “o” and “b,” are often written incorrectly in various forms.

Decline of long-form writing in Generation Z

Another issue experts point to is the difficulty Generation Z students face in writing long, structured sentences.

“While some students may have neat handwriting, they struggle to communicate effectively. The use of test-based assessments and constant social media interaction has contributed to this. They avoid long sentences and often fail to write proper paragraphs. They think that placing independent sentences one after the other constitutes a paragraph,” Kiliceri adds.

From pens to keyboards: Shift in tools

Generation Z’s preference for keyboards over pens has further impacted their writing.

“They come to class without pens and prefer to use their keyboards for everything. This shift is part of a global conversation about the influence of social media on written language,” explains Kiliceri.

She urges the need for further studies, particularly at the high school level, to better understand how digital tools are reshaping language and writing.

Social media influence on communication

The rise of social media has dramatically altered how students communicate, often to the detriment of their formal writing skills.

“Students now prefer using minimal words to convey basic information. They aim to summarize ideas in as few as 10 words,” notes Kiliceri.

Moreover, many students lack the skills to write formal emails or letters, often communicating with authority figures as though they were speaking to friends on WhatsApp.

Generational differences in communication styles

Professor Ahmet Benzer, from Marmara University, draws attention to how generational differences persist in academic environments.

“A book from the 1930s mentions that university students believed their education was solely about the notes they took in class, and there was little interest in reading articles or books. While times have changed, the complaints remain the same—rooted in generational differences,” said Benzer.

Student perspectives: Shift in writing practices

Students themselves admit that the rapid rise of social media has influenced their writing habits.

Arda Kahrama, a university student, remarks, “Since elementary school, we’ve been solving tests. I don’t remember writing essays unless it’s absolutely necessary. Social media already has its own language—shortened forms and emojis. I believe writing as we knew it is dying.”

Is writing a dying skill?

Dilda Sedefoglu, another university student, agrees that social media has had a significant effect on writing skills.

“I used to love writing for myself, but now I don’t do it much. Unused skills naturally weaken. As a result, even the most basic writing rules are forgotten. However, I know students in law school who are excellent at written expression. They use the language properly when required, but others take shortcuts where they can.”

Generation Z’s shift from traditional writing methods to digital communication poses a challenge for educators and students alike. The widespread use of technology, coupled with the growing dominance of social media, has led to a generation that struggles with formal writing skills. As digital communication becomes more prevalent, understanding and addressing these issues will be key to preserving writing traditions in the future.