IS THE PEN MIGHTIER IN THE DIGITAL ERA?

Observer

6 days ago

Is the art of writing - our age-old method of preserving thought through language - fading in the era of Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT?
In the rush of modern life, is the once-vital skill of communicating through written symbols slowly disappearing?
Traditionally, written language grew from spoken word. Yet today, as speech is often replaced by emojis and visual shorthand, the once-familiar feel of pen on paper is becoming rare.
Oman's literary voices argue that while modes of expression have evolved, writing as a form of connection endures. Typing messages or composing emails is simply a new version of what began with ink and parchment.
Acclaimed Omani writer Zakaryia al Muharrami, who began his literary journey by typing rather than writing by hand, says his process hasn't changed over decades: he still drafts on a desktop, prints it, edits manually— sometimes over ten times — until satisfied enough to send to the press.
'AI helps us critique and refine our writing, making it richer and more expressive. It's a tool, not a replacement,' says Al Muharrami.
Dhanya Manoj, educator and regular contributor to children's creative development in Oman, notes that although AI tools may be taking over content generation, the essence of writing remains.
'Writing is still central to communication, creativity and cognitive growth. The digital world has simply reshaped it,' she says.
Poet and author Lubna al Balushi shares a similar sentiment, viewing the digital age not as a threat, but a transformation.
'We now write and share in real-time. The tools may have changed, but our desire to express and connect through language is eternal.'
While some worry that handwriting and traditional composition may be in decline, others believe creativity always finds new outlets. Writing isn't dying — it's evolving. Whether through keystrokes or calligraphy, the impulse to articulate, reflect and imagine will always live on.