Handwriting a Letter vs E-Mail

Writing a letter differs from sending an e-mail based on the means of communication. However, both writing a letter and sending an e-mail pass the same messages from the sender to the receiver. Therefore, the comparison between writing a letter and sending an e-mail depends on the messages that the sender passes to the receiver.

Some of the similarities between handwriting a letter and sending an e-mail are that both the handwritten letters and e-mails send salutations, conversations, greetings, and send notifications about events, information about family and business situations. Handwriting a letter and sending e-mails have undergone a significant change following the advent of the Internet. A person can compose a letter on a computer and send it by e-mail as a way of communicating with others, then writing a letters on a paper is an old-fashioned way of conveying information. Writing a letter using a pen and paper is about to become extinct following the advent of the computer technology, where many people feels that the Internet is the fastest way of communicating with other people by sending messages. However, some still value a pen and paper more than they value computer and the Internet because of their own viewpoints. People can prefer writing letters on a paper regardless of whether they are computer literate or they are computer illiterate. Some people prefer handwriting letter because of the belief that they can express their feeling confidently due to privacy. They know that the letter will reach only the intended receiver and not any other person.

The frequency of sending and receiving handwritten letters from sender depends on the postal service that the sender decides to use, with some postal services being faster and more reliable than others are. Over the Internet, sending a letter as an e-mail differs from regular mailings in a significant manner because there is no delay in between the sender and the intended receiver. To send e-mails is extremely faster than sending handwritten letter through a postal office. The sender of an e-mail can receive a reply in seconds, which is not the case with sending a handwritten letter by a postal service. However, letter writing helped people to improve their penmanship the more they wrote.

Some people prefer handwritten letters to receiving e-mails because letters are personal and the receiver can keep them. Therefore, the reason to why people write on a paper is to put a personal touch as well as personal feelings into it, and the intended receiver of the letter can cherish and keep it by saving each letter in a special place. Some people consider an e-mail as unfeeling and cold because the intended receiver cannot keep e-mails in special places as valuable documents. When people receive emails, they read and save them on the computer, which is unsafe because the computer may crash and, thus, impossible to access the e-mail if the receiver deleted it from the inbox.

Handwriting a letter and sending an email are two distinct forms of communication, each with its own unique advantages and characteristics. Here’s a comparison of the two:

Handwriting a Letter

Pros:

• Personal Touch: Handwritten letters often feel more personal and thoughtful. The effort put into writing by hand can convey a sense of care and attention.
• Tangible Keepsake: Letters can be kept as physical mementos, cherished for years. They often hold sentimental value and can be revisited.
• Unique Expression: Handwriting varies from person to person, adding a unique and personal touch to the message.
• No Need for Technology: Letters don’t require electricity or internet access, making them accessible in areas with limited technology.

Cons:

• Time-Consuming: Writing and mailing a letter takes more time compared to sending an email.
• Delayed Delivery: Letters can take days or even weeks to reach their destination, depending on the postal service.
• Inconvenience: Finding stationery, writing the letter, and going to the post office can be inconvenient for some.

E-Mail

Pros:

• Speed: Emails are delivered almost instantly, making them ideal for quick communication.
• Convenience: Emails can be sent from anywhere with internet access, using various devices.
• Efficiency: Editing and formatting are easier with emails, and mistakes can be corrected quickly.
• Environmental Impact: Emails are more environmentally friendly as they don’t require paper.

Cons:

• Impersonal: Emails can sometimes feel less personal and thoughtful compared to handwritten letters.
• Overlooked: Emails can be easily overlooked or deleted, especially if the recipient receives a large volume of messages.
• Security Risks: Emails can be susceptible to hacking and other security issues.

Both forms of communication have their own charm and utility. Handwritten letters are often appreciated for their personal touch and lasting impact, while emails are valued for their speed and convenience.

Therefore, there are many comparisons and contrasts between handwriting a letter and sending emails. Some of the comparisons on handwriting a letter versus sending an e-mail are that both the handwritten letters and e-mails send salutations, conversations, greetings, and send notifications about events, information about family and business situations. The major contrast on the handwritten letters versus sending an e-mail is that e-mails reach the intended receiver within a matter of seconds after hitting a send button. On the other, a people can send handwritten letters any place, but can take many days to months, depending on how far the intended receiver is from the sender.