Personal Blogging

One of the most popular forms of blogging is a personal blog, where people are free to express their thoughts and feelings in an online setting, almost like an online diary. Many people seek emotional relief through personal blogs, where they are free to openly discuss topics they feel they cannot bring up in everyday life. There is also much research available proving that blogs can help people cope with grief. “Most blogs are personal journal blogs, similar to public versions of pen-and-paper diaries in that entries contain personal details about the author’s life. Keeping a diary has been linked to increased coping, improved psychological functioning, and decreased physical distress. Similar to diaries, blogs can provide a space for catharsis and venting about the stresses and emotions of daily living.” (Baker and Moore)

Although there are many benefits to personal blogging, one must be careful when putting personal information on the web. Thousands of young people become victims of online predators every year, so bloggers must be mindful about what information is appropriate to share and what is not.