Try Journaling Instead of Oversharing on Social Media
We’ve all seen it—those raw, emotional social media posts where someone shares far too much about their struggles, frustrations, or deeply personal experiences. Sometimes, it’s a cry for support. Other times, it’s just an outlet for their emotions. While vulnerability can be a good thing, social media is rarely the safest or wisest place for it.
This has been on my mind because three times in one sitting this week, I saw people posting what I considered to be far too much about themselves. All of these are vague acquaintances or just random people I follow because of the content they create. Here are two examples:
One is a social influencer who has a really inspiring hobby that does a lot of good in honoring people. I follow this person because I love what they do. But interspersed with inspirational content is this person’s vicious battle with their ex-spouse. The other day I was surprised to suddenly see an angry person’s face shouting with writing and screenshots all around the video clip, followed by a crying post, huge text posts, all as Instagram stories lamenting the “stalking” behaviors of the ex. I do not and will not ever actually know this person. It isn’t that I don’t care about their wellbeing. It’s that they should be sharing this with a close friend, a family member, a therapist, or someone who can help them. I’m a stranger on the internet who has no business knowing their business.
One is a vague acquaintance from earlier in life. This person went through a messy divorce, all detailed on Instagram, complete with crying video clips, passive-aggressive pictures, and tons of posts about psychological well-being and recovering from “narcissists.” I had been thinking of unfollowing this person because I hardly know them to begin with, and the content they post is often exhausting. Much like the previous person I mentioned, it is also interspersed with some really cool content of a side hustle that has become a business for them that I really enjoy seeing. They do all kinds of renovations, furniture restorations and more. They are talented and industrious and so impressive in what they’re capable of doing. It occurred to me the other day that their posting had died down considerably, so out of curiosity I looked at their profile. It is completely blank. All photos, videos, and everything else are totally deleted, which is itself a bit of an extreme action. Perhaps under-posting is better than over-posting, but it all paints a picture of a person who is unwell and frankly, not someone I should have such an ability to psychoanalyze.
The truth is, I could easily be a third person myself. I’ve had some significant tragedies I’m connected to the last few months. I took an afternoon off a few weeks ago to make a visit to the cemetery where several loved ones are buried and spent some time grieving. I spent some time there tending to my grief and engaging with my faith. I had an inclination to post some photos of the gravesites as a social media story, since I know others who likely also miss the people that I miss. But after thinking about it, I chose to post nothing. Instead, I posted the photos, Scriptures, reflections, and a mood indicator in my Journal app, then I talked with my wife about it when I got home. (Yes, the fact that I’m now sharing here may make me guilty of the behavior I’m criticizing, but give me a break: I’m trying to demonstrate the alternate path here.) I have people in my life with whom I can share my hurt. That doesn’t have to be everyone to whom I’m even slightly connected.
The internet is full of kind-hearted people, but it’s also full of trolls. And even well-meaning friends might not know how to respond in a way that’s truly helpful. When we put ourselves out there in a moment of emotional vulnerability, we risk receiving reactions that don’t actually help us heal—or worse, make us feel even more exposed.
A Better Alternative: Journaling
If you are a person who is prone to putting yourself and all your feelings out there for the world, instead of turning to social media every time you feel the urge to express yourself, I encourage you to try a journaling app. You still get the satisfaction of capturing your thoughts, processing emotions, and even adding pictures or videos, but you do it in a space that’s private and reflective. You can always decide later if something is worth sharing.
I am a long-time advocate for written journals, and have practiced this regularly since 2010. I can point to specific ways that God has been at work in my life and to ways that I’ve grown over the last 15 years. I have gradually grown the types of ways that I journal. These include:
- Regular spiritual journaling where I write about my life and involve Scripture and prayer in how I reflect.
- Idea journaling where I keep track of significant ideas I want to remember for later, carefully indexed so I can locate them.
- A journal for each of my children. This is a favorite of mine. I wrote a series of letters in a journal for each child, beginning when they were infants, up until I ran out of pages during their toddler years. I keep track of milestones, funny stories, and sometimes heartache and challenges. But when they’re older I’ll be able to give them these as gifts to say, “This is what it was like for us when you were too young to remember our time together.”
- Mission trip journal. I only journal here when I’m on mission trips. It is cool to read through and see the details of trips back-to-back.
There are actually more than these, but you get the idea. Even so, for this post, I want to focus on digital journaling platforms because for a person with a dopamine addiction, I believe a digital platform might still scratch some of the same itches, but without making it so public for everyone.
Why I Like the Journal App on iOS
Lately, I’ve been using the Journal app on iOS, and I’ve found it to be a great middle ground between traditional journaling and the instant gratification of social media. Here’s why:
1. It’s simple and quick – No complicated features, just an easy way to record thoughts.
2. I can post pictures and videos – Just like on social media, I can visually document my life.
3. It provides optional prompts – If I don’t know what to write, the app gives me ideas.
4. It lets me track my mood – A useful tool for reflecting on emotional patterns.
5. I can look back at past entries – Just like scrolling through old social media posts, but private.
6. It can be exported and printed – So my memories aren’t locked into an app forever.
I’ve started using it for quick thoughts and small life moments—both good and bad. I still keep a longer-form journal for deeper reflections, but I’ve found that journaling in this way gives me the same sense of satisfaction as posting on social media. The difference? It’s just for me.
Top Journaling Apps:
I know there are more, and I haven’t tried all of these, but in considering options for this practice, it’s really impressive how many quality choices you have. Here are some alternatives to the Journal app for iOS with a comparison of their strengths and weaknesses.
1. Day One: A comprehensive journaling app offering multimedia support, cross-platform syncing, and robust security features.
2. Journey: Focuses on providing a seamless writing experience with cloud synchronization and offline capabilities.
3. Penzu: Emphasizes privacy with customizable templates and secure encryption for your entries.
4. Diarium: Supports rich media entries and offers voice recording features, making it versatile for various journaling styles.
5. Grid Diary: Utilizes a unique grid format with customizable prompts to guide your journaling process.
Comparison Chart:
| Feature | Journal (iOS) | Day One | Journey | Penzu | Diarium | Grid Diary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platform Availability | iOS | iOS, Android, Mac, Windows | iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Web | iOS, Android, Web | Windows, Android, iOS | iOS, Android |
| Multimedia Support | Photos, Videos | Photos, Videos, Audio, Drawings | Photos, Videos | Photos | Photos, Videos, Audio | Text-based |
| Cloud Syncing | Yes (iCloud) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Offline Mode | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Security Features | Device-level | Encryption, Passcode Lock | Encryption, Passcode Lock | Password Protection, Encryption | Encryption, Passcode Lock | Password Protection |
| Customization Options | Limited | High | Medium | Medium | Medium | High |
| Voice Recording | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
| Mood Tracking | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cost | Free | Free with Premium options | Free with Premium options | Free with Premium options | Paid | Free with Premium options |
Note: The information above is based on data available as of February 2025. Features and availability may have changed since then.
Each of these apps offers unique features that cater to different journaling preferences. Exploring them can help you find the one that best fits your needs.
The Power of Private Reflection
When you write for yourself rather than an audience, you free yourself from the pressure of getting likes, comments, or validation. You can be honest. You can process thoughts without worrying about how they’ll be perceived. And you can look back at your entries over time, gaining insight into your own growth and journey.
So, if you find yourself oversharing on social media—or if you just want a healthier, more mindful way to document your life—consider giving a journaling app a try. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.
How about you?
What helps you to be introspective?
What do you think are appropriate things to share, and what crosses the line to oversharing?
What boundaries enable you to flourish?
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