This focus forces us to examine our feelings about the subject matter; we have to zero in on how we feel about it, then think about how to express that feeling. The creative juices are released in concert, which invariably leads to more ideas, which heightens the chance of better ones. And the more numerous the good ideas, the more likely we are to be impressed with ourselves, which leads to a higher self-esteem; we feel better about ourselves.

Additionally, it is widely held that venting is a sound way to alleviate the tension we acquire through the course of our daily lives. It would be hard to name a source that does not ascribe value to talking out problems and issues. One could postulate that involving a larger group of peers commenting from a wider variety of backgrounds results in an colourful array of advice and opinions, wherein the blogger can pick, choose, and follow the ones that most resonate.

Several studies have examined the phenomenon of journal writing and have shown that significant improvements become apparent in the author’s physical well-being, as well as psychological health and functioning. Reflection on the happenings in one’s life through the writing of a blog or journal can lead to insight and act as a catalyst for coping mechanisms. Peer commentary, such as is found in blogging, apparently adds to the flavor.

More specifically, James Baker and Susan Moore in Cyber Psychology & Behaviour compared the mental health states of six hundred subjects who frequented the same social networking internet site, by dividing them into two groups: bloggers and non-bloggers. They found that the subjects that blogged for a period a two months (both groups initially had never blogged before) felt “less anxious, depressed and stressed”. They reported a more integrated sense of community and a deeper trust of others.

As the world shrinks beneath the tutelage of the internet, it has become more and more socially acceptable to socially interact online. Look at the success of social networking sites such as Myspace, Facebook and Twitter; combined their memberships number in the hundreds of millions. I have actually got friends I have made online. Admittedly not many, but enough to be of consequence. Part of this socialization process is communicating with each other, and one of the prime methods of communicating online is blogging. It is no surprise, then, that such virtual interaction has become so socially accepted in such a short space of time.  Twenty years ago we were laughing at the nerds; now I do not know anyone without a Facebook account outside of people of my parents generation. And even then, not all of them. I know 80 year olds on Facebook.

Of course, this all depends on what your blog is about. Not all blogs are therapeutic online journals. Businesses have started using blogs to advertise their wares, announce specials, and perform other such functions of a commercial nature. Celebrities use blogs to tell their fans how fantastic it is to be a celebrity. Even private citizens pick themes for their blogs in the hope that eventually they can attract enough attention to encourage sponsors to pay to advertize on their page. Thus the blog becomes a business in itself. I think it is safe to say these kinds of blogs offer little in the way of psychological therapy to those that write them.

However, the money they make might.

 

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