What is an Online Diary? Nov 11, 2020

History

Online diaries have been around since at least 1994, starting a new way for people to share their thoughts and experiences. At first, these diaries were called online journals and created communities of people sharing their daily lives. Over time, the term ‘blog’ became the common name for these journals. ‘Weblog’ was the original term, later shortened to ‘blog.’

Evolution

As technology advanced, private and secure online diaries emerged. These digital diaries replaced traditional notebooks hidden under pillows, allowing users to safely and securely store their personal thoughts online.

Why keep an online diary?

Keeping an online diary can be a great experience for people in general .. and a great benefit for people already keeping an offline (i.e. in a physical book) diary. Here are some reasons and actions to get started:

  1. Track Personal Growth: Write about your daily experiences and feelings to see how you change over time. Spend 10 minutes each evening writing about your day.
  2. Be Creative: Use your diary to write creatively. Try different writing styles, poetry, or short stories. Share your creative journey with others.
  3. Set and Achieve Goals: Use your diary to set personal goals and track your progress. Whether it’s fitness, learning a new skill, or career goals, writing about it can help you stay motivated.
  4. Boost Mental Health: Writing can be therapeutic. Expressing emotions in a diary can help manage stress and anxiety. Start each entry with things you’re grateful for to stay positive.
  5. Build a Community: Share parts of your diary publicly to connect with others. This can lead to supportive friendships. Join online writing challenges or groups to find like-minded people.
  6. Save Memories: Your online diary can be a digital time capsule. Add photos, videos, and other media to make your entries richer.
  7. Learn and Improve: Track what you’re learning and areas you want to improve. Reviewing your entries can help you understand yourself better.

How to Get Started

  1. Choose a Platform: Pick a platform that fits your privacy needs and writing style. Options include private apps like OhDiary, Day One and Penzu or public sites like WordPress and Medium.
  2. Create a Routine: Write consistently. Find a time that works best for you, whether it’s in the morning, during lunch, or before bed.
  3. Start Simple: Don’t overthink it. Begin with short entries, even just a few sentences or bullet points about your day. Your writing will naturally grow as you get more comfortable.
  4. Personalize Your Diary: Customize your diary with themes and layouts that you like. Enjoying the look of your diary can motivate you to write regularly.
  5. Join a Community: Engage with other online diarists. Comment on their entries and participate in discussions. The support from a community can keep you motivated.

Keeping an online diary is more than a hobby; it’s a way to discover yourself and grow. Start today and see where your thoughts take you!