Episode Details

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 at 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." 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 she tries to put her phone down at those moments. Writing and sending letters is nostalgic for KiKi Klassen, who lives in Ontario, Canada. In October 2024, Klassen launched the Lucky Duck Mail Club, a subscription-based monthly mail service that sends participants a piece of her art, an inspiring quote, and a message. She says her membership includes more than 1,000 people across, at most, 36 countries. This article was provided by The Associated Press.