In at least one embodiment, a data storage system is provided. The system includes a controller that is configured to determine a direction of current flow to a first write element to write first data on a magnetic tape and to determine a direction of current flow to each of a plurality of neighboring write elements to write corresponding data on the magnetic tape. The controller is further configured to compare the direction of current flow to the first write element to the direction of current flow to the plurality of neighboring write elements. The controller is further configured to control the first write element to write the first data in response to comparing the direction of current flow to the first write element to the direction of current flow to each of the neighboring write elements.