12 Skills Young People Are Losing in the Digital Age
This post may contain affiliate links that earn me a small commission, at no cost to you.
In our fast changing digital world, young people have access to incredible technology and information at their fingertips. However, this digital revolution has also led to some traditional skills becoming less common among younger generations.
While technology brings many benefits, it’s worth considering what might be lost in the process. Let’s explore some of the skills that young people seem to be losing in the digital age. This isn’t to say that all young people lack these skills, but rather that these abilities are becoming less common or less emphasized in our increasingly digital world.
Handwriting
With the prevalence of keyboards and touchscreens, many young people are losing the art of handwriting. While typing is efficient, handwriting has been linked to better memory retention and cognitive development. The personal touch of a handwritten note is becoming a rarity in the digital age.
Face-to-Face Communication
As digital communication becomes the norm, many young people are less comfortable with face-to-face interactions. The nuances of body language, tone, and facial expressions can be lost in text-based communication, potentially impacting social skills and empathy.
Mental Math
With calculators always at hand on smartphones, the ability to do quick mental math is declining. While technology is helpful, relying too heavily on it can weaken basic math skills that are useful in everyday life.
Map Reading
GPS and navigation apps have made traditional map reading skills less necessary. However, the ability to read a map and understand spatial relationships is still valuable, especially when technology fails or in areas with poor signal.
Patience
In an age of instant gratification, many young people struggle with patience. The ability to wait, whether for information, entertainment, or results, is a valuable life skill that’s being eroded by the immediacy of digital technology.
Memory Skills
With information always available online, there’s less emphasis on memorization. While it’s true that we don’t need to remember everything, good memory skills are still important for learning and problem-solving.
Cursive Writing
Many schools no longer teach cursive writing, considering it outdated. However, cursive can improve fine motor skills and is still used in many formal documents. The inability to read cursive could disconnect young people from historical documents and family heirlooms.
Phone Etiquette
As texting becomes the preferred method of communication, many young people are less comfortable with phone calls. The ability to carry on a professional phone conversation is still important in many work environments.
Analog Clock Reading
With digital clocks everywhere, the skill of reading an analog clock is becoming less common. This can make it harder to understand concepts of time passing and time management in a visual way.
Research Skills
While young people are adept at finding information online, the ability to critically evaluate sources and conduct in-depth research beyond a quick Google search is declining. This skill is crucial for academic and professional success.
Interpersonal Conflict Resolution
With much communication happening through screens, many young people struggle with face-to-face conflict resolution. The ability to handle disagreements and negotiate in person is a vital life skill that requires practice.
Attention Span
The constant stimulation of digital media can lead to shorter attention spans. The ability to focus on a single task for an extended period, read long-form content, or engage in deep, uninterrupted thought is becoming less common but remains crucial for learning and productivity.
17 Hidden Patterns in Everyday Life Youโve Never Noticed

17 Hidden Patterns in Everyday Life Youโve Never Noticed