It is true that the advent of technology, particularly smartphones and computers, has had a significant impact on people's handwriting skills. However, it is inaccurate to assume that messy handwriting is a recent phenomenon caused solely by technology. Messy handwriting has been observed throughout history, even centuries before the introduction of modern technology.

Here are some reasons why people have had messy handwriting throughout the ages:

1. Lack of formal education: In the past, not everyone had access to formal education, which meant that they did not receive proper training in handwriting. As a result, many people developed their own unique, often messy, handwriting styles.

2. Writing instruments: The writing instruments available in the past were not as advanced as the ones we have today. Quills, for example, were difficult to control and often resulted in messy writing.

3. Speed: In some cases, messy handwriting can be a result of writing quickly. People who needed to write down information quickly, such as journalists, often developed fast but messy handwriting styles.

4. Health conditions: Certain health conditions can affect handwriting, making it difficult for individuals to write neatly. Dyslexia, for example, can cause problems with reading and writing, resulting in messy handwriting.

5. Individual differences: Just as people's faces and voices are unique, so is their handwriting. Some individuals naturally have messier handwriting than others, regardless of the availability of technology or formal education.

While technology may have contributed to a decline in handwriting skills in some individuals, it is important to recognize that messy handwriting has existed long before the advent of modern technology. It is a complex phenomenon influenced by various factors throughout history.