At a time when productivity means optimizing every second and screens blur the line between work and home, some people are slowing down and disconnecting by looking to communication devices from the past.Tactile activities ranging from writing letters and typewriter clubs to TikTok communities showcasing calligraphy skills and wax seals are giving retro writing instruments a resurgence.More than quaint throwbacks, the pursuits provide their enthusiasts with opportunities to reduce their technology use, be more intentional with time and build meaningful connections with others.“I feel as though my pen pals are my friends.
I don't think of them much differently than if I were chatting with a friend on the phone, in a coffee shop or at another person's house,” said Melissa Bobbitt, 42, a devoted letter-writer who corresponds with about a dozen people from her home in Claremont, California, and has had up to 40 pen pals at one time.“Focusing on one person and really reading what they are saying, and sharing what's on your heart is almost like a therapy session.”Ink, paper and other tools that once were the only way to send a message from afar are continuing to bring people together from around the world.
Below, some of them explain the appeal of snail mail and give recommendations for getting started.In a society shaped by constant availability, hands-on hobbies like writing letters and scrapbooking require focus and patience.The act of picking up a pen, sealing an envelope with wax and laying out pages may yield aesthetically pleasing results, but it also creates a space for reflection.Stephania Kontopanos, a 21-year-old student in Chicago, said it can be hard to put her phone and computer away, especially when it seems all of her friends and peers are on social media and her classes and personal life revolve around being online.“There are times when I’m with my friends and at dinner, I’ll realize we are all on our phones," Kontopanos said, adding that...