Technological innovations happening at lightning speed, and the way we live, work, and communicate has changed dramatically over the past decade. One area that is disrupted by technology is the classic paper diary or journal. For centuries, people have poured their innermost thoughts, dreams, fears, and daily activities into the pages of physical notebooks.

Ubiquity of technology

To understand the appeal of online diaries, we have to recognize the sheer ubiquity of technology in our lives today. Over 80% of American adults own a smartphone, which they use for an average of 3 hours and 30 minutes per day. Laptop and desktop computer ownership also remains high. When technology is so seamlessly integrated into our daily routines, it makes sense that we gravitate toward digital tools for tasks like journaling. Syncing across devices, finding entries easily, and adding multimedia content are just some of the conveniences of recording your life online.

Limitations of paper diaries

While stationery stores still dedicate entire sections to beautiful hardbound journals and diaries, the limitations of these physical books are becoming more apparent. You only write in them when you have them with you and it’s easy to misplace a small book. Paper diaries are password protected, they take up storage space when full, and if damaged or lost, the entries are gone forever. Digital files are more secure and be recovered. Online diaries also allow for keyword tagging and search to easily pull up relevant entries years’ later visit here privatenote.io.

Rise of online journaling

Virtual diaries began growing in popularity in the early 2000s with sites like Live Journal and Xanga. However, in recent years, there has been an explosion of innovative online journaling tools. From creative multimedia options like Penzu and DayOne to goal-setting features and customizable templates on OhLife and Five Minute Journal, companies are racing to corner the online journaling market. Users now have an unprecedented level of choice when it comes to recording their lives digitally.

Apps that blend analog and digital journaling

For those who still romanticize the tactile sensation of writing with pen and paper, several apps aim to bridge the gap between analog and digital journaling. Periodic Notes allows you to first write your entries or doodle in a physical journal before using your phone’s camera to upload them to the cloud. Similarly, Bo journal sends a daily email prompt to which users respond either digitally or in a traditional notebook.

Changing the definition of a diary

As online diaries become more multimedia, they are transforming the very definition of journals and diaries. Today’s virtual notebooks allow users to include photos, videos, audio clips, charts, location tags, and more to create visceral records of their lives. Far more than just a collection of written entries, these digital diaries are part scrapbook, part journal, and part portfolio. While words are still important, the journaling experience is becoming more visual, personalized, and interactive.

Nostalgia of paper 

Despite the benefits and conveniences of online notebooks, don’t expect the nostalgia around physical diaries to disappear entirely. There is an enduring romanticism and deep-seated cultural significance to the traditional paper journal that digital tools cannot replicate. The feel of ink on thick, creamy pages; the smell of an old leather-bound diary; the hidden secrets contained within – there is an intangibility to the paper journaling experience that keeps it alive. While online diaries may win out on convenience, paper diaries retain their magic.