In July 2023, I deleted the Day One journaling app from my devices, a decision sparked by Apple’s announcement of its Journal app using on-device machine learning for prompts. The idea felt unsettling, especially after experiencing its emotionally charged Memories feature. Recently, I observed Google’s AI-driven Journal app, which offers AI prompts and mood tracking. While intended to simplify journaling, this undermines its essence. True journaling requires grappling with thoughts, not convenience. Handwriting in a physical journal has significantly improved my mental health and critical thinking, as studies show it enhances memory retention. The inconvenience of writing by hand forces intentionality and reflection, preserving personal moments in a way digital summaries cannot. Journaling reflects deep emotions and personal growth, often through painstaking but meaningful effort. Embracing analog methods grants privacy and authenticity, making each entry a journey worth undertaking, far removed from the sterile efficiency of AI solutions.
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