The Pros and Cons of Keeping a Digital Journal

If you have taken an interest in journaling, you have probably come across some information about digital journaling in your research. If you’re looking to get started, let’s go over the pros and cons of keeping a digital journal.

Journaling has many benefits. It is a great way for us to improve and build on our writing skills as we express our thoughts and ideas.

In previous years, I have journaled in a notebook or a bullet journal. With the changing times and with everything going digital, some are moving forward to digital journaling.

iPad on a table and a text saying the pros and cons of keeping a digital journal

Digital journaling is just a different way of keeping a journal.

Journaling on paper and keeping a digital journal is the same in many ways. The purpose and reasons behind it are the same. The difference between the two is that one is on the computer or tablet while the other is strictly pen and paper.

However, just because it is digital and a new form of journaling, does not mean that it is for you. There are many pros and cons of keeping a digital journal.

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Recommended Themed Journals for Moms

Still in love with traditional journaling? We have cool guided journal recommendations with uplifting themes here for you.

Present, Not Perfect: A Journal for Slowing Down, Letting Go, and Loving Who You Are A Year of Zen: A 52-Week Guided Journal (A Year of Reflections Journal)Soul Therapy: A 365 day journal for self exploration, healing and reflection The Mindfulness Journal: Daily Practices, Writing Prompts, and Reflections for Living in the Present Moment Self-Care: A Day and Night Reflection Journal (90 Days) (Inner World)Protecting Yourself From Toxic People: A Self-Reflection Workbook With Writing Prompts to Help You Set Boundaries With the Harmful Humans in Your Life (Guided Journals for Adult Survivors 2)

Pros of Keeping A Digital Journal

Digital journaling has a lot going for it. There are many good reasons to keep a digital journal instead of writing in a paper journal. Some of the pros of digital journaling include:

It is mobile. Because it is a digital journal, you can take it with you just about anywhere and write a journal entry at any time. Due to the digital journaling apps that are available, you may have access to it on your computer, tablet, or even your phone. The apps also make it possible for you to sync your journals between your devices.
Journaling apps make it easy and safe. The available digital apps can also help keep your journal entries safe with password locks and other safety measures.
It may be easier for you to type. Typing has become a huge part of our lives which may make typing out your journal easier than writing it. This is also extremely helpful if you suffer from pain or arthritis.
It is quicker than writing. If you are using a computer to keep your journal, typing your journal entries will be much faster than writing out your journal entries.
It is easier to stay organized. There are a number of different journaling apps that can help you keep your content organized and neat. This will also make it easier to search old entries or to see past entries.
You can add photos and other visuals. Since it is digital, it is easy to add your personal photos, images, and even videos to go with your journal entries.

Recommended Journal and Planner Decoration Supplies

Do you want to improve your journal and planners? These cool decoration supplies will surely match your style and you will be surprised how inspired you are to grab your pen and write those ideas.

The Happy Planner Disney Sticker Pack for Calendars, Journals and Projects –Multi-Color, Easy Peel The Happy Planner Sticker Pack for Calendars, Journals and Projects –Multi-Color, Easy Peel The Happy Planner Classic Filler Paper – Journaling & Planner Accessories – Stay Wild Theme me & my BIG ideas Plastic Mini Discs Value Pack, Multi-Color – The Happy Planner Scrapbooking Supplies Metal Stencil Bookmark for Bullet Journals VITOLER 24 Colored Journaling Pens, Fine Line Point Drawing Marker Pens for Writing Journaling Planner Coloring Book Sketching

Cons of Digital Journaling

Even with all the pros of digital journaling, it does have some cons and things that may push you more towards sticking with your paper journal.

You don’t get to physically hold your journal. With a digital journal, you won’t get to hold and see your handwritten journal. This can be sentimental and meaningful.
Too many categories. In the midst of journaling, you can get caught up on creating categories which can lead to a confusing mess.
There is no doodling and less creativity. One of the best things about free journaling is that you can write, doodle, and express your emotions through drawing doodles and designs. With a digital journal, you don’t get to do that. Sure, you can add images and cute icons to your entries, but it is not the same as doodling.
You can easily get distracted. If you’re writing a journal entry on your computer or phone, it is easy to get distracted and have your mind wonder off. Before you know it, you will be browsing your favorite social media websites and blogs.
It can be less personal. Digital journaling has you typing on the computer, sort of like you would at work, which makes it less personal than writing your thoughts down on paper. It can also take a lot of the emotion away from it.
Digital journals have to be backed up. Since it is all electronical, you will have to make sure your journal is frequently backed up in case your computer was to crash or the app stops working. While the digital apps that you can use for journaling are safe, there is always a chance that something could happen or be lost.

As you can see, keeping a digital journal has its pros and cons just like keeping a physical journal does.

Going digital or sticking with your original form of journal keeping is really a matter of personal choice and which one makes you better at journaling.