Online Diaries: Transformation of Medium and Meaning - Entering Online: Still a Diary

Because of the similarities of writing for an audience and for oneself, it is no surprise that, according to the first online diarists of 1995, the overall meaning and purpose of online diaries (often now called blogs) is no different from the diaries of the past. Blogs have the same features of any other diaries; they are typically informal, introspective writing that records daily activities or thoughts. On the Diary History Project (DHP), which collected reflections from the first bloggers on their process of writing online dairies, blogger Deb says, “My journal has been my venting post, my confessor, and an online baby book” (DHP). Diaries still document the activities of daily life and still allow for diarists to “confess” inner feelings; although it seems like the accessibility of blogs to the public might drastically change their purpose or meaning, it doesn’t. Jim Lawrence explains, “My eldest child told me ‘Gee, Dad, I didn't know you were such an exhibitionist.’ I don't think of it that way. I just think of it as sharing a few thoughts with friends... things I might jot down in a letter to a friend... what happened in my day, something amusing that I read or saw, a book or movie review, a political rant, memories of childhood... whatever” (DHP). Although clearly aware of an audience, Lawrence wrote in his blog as he would write in any other diary or letter.

Of course, the knowledge of a potential audience may encourage or shape why some people write blogs, but they still serve the basic purpose they did before: providing an space for emotions or thoughts. I think that CarolynBurke, who began writing in 1995, best describes the dual emotions behind writing in a blog: “I needed an outlet to talk about myself, privately and with someone listening” (DHP). The basic meaning and purpose of diaries—to provide outlets—has not changed since its transformation to the online, public form; however, as Burke points out, the audience has switch from being either family, friends, or imagined to being often unknown but certainly present.

Current Mood: hopeful