Cursive’s unlikely AI-fueled comeback, explained

Cursive writing, once a mandatory subject in American elementary schools, has seen a decline in recent decades. The shift away from cursive instruction began in the 1980s, with the instructional time dedicated to it reducing from 45 minutes a day to 30-60 minutes per week. This decline was driven by the 1990s standards-based movement, which created overcrowded curricula and the increasing availability of computers, making typing seem like a necessary skill.

However, the pendulum began to swing back in favor of cursive in the early 2010s, with states such as North Carolina, Florida, California, and Michigan mandating cursive instruction. Lawmakers argue that cursive is essential for reading historical documents, preserving family history, and ensuring students aren't using artificial intelligence to complete their schoolwork.

Being able to write in cursive has various benefits, including being able to easily read and understand old documents and letters. Some studies suggest that cursive writing can help people write faster and may have a positive impact on writing fluency and quality, particularly for those with dyslexia and dysgraphia. Additionally, learning cursive has been shown to activate brain waves and neural pathways used for learning and memory.