Paper vs digital journaling: pros, cons and how to keep your journal private

TUREFF• •0

One of the first decisions for a new journal keeper is whether to write by hand or type. The second, which matters more than people expect, is how to keep what you write private. Both depend on how you live and who else has access to your space and devices.

The case for paper

Fewer distractions: a notebook has no notifications. It is easier to stay with your thoughts.
Slower writing: writing by hand forces you to choose words, which some people find helps them think.
No logins, no subscriptions, no updates: a notebook from decades ago still opens.
A physical record: many people value seeing their handwriting change over the years and keeping a shelf of finished volumes.
Freedom of form: sketches, arrows, pasted tickets and doodles are easy.

The downsides: paper cannot be searched, it can be lost or damaged, and anyone who picks it up can read it.

The case for digital

Speed: most people type faster than they write, useful when thoughts come quickly.
Search: you can find every entry that mentions a person, place or word.
Always with you: a phone app means you can write anywhere.
Extras: photos, voice notes, location and dates can be added automatically.
Backups: entries can be copied to more than one place.

The downsides: screens bring distractions, apps can shut down or change their terms, and files in the cloud are only as private as the account and the service behind them.

A hybrid approach

Plenty of people use both: paper for reflective writing and a phone for quick notes, photos or a mood log. Some write by hand and photograph pages for a backup. There is no rule that you must choose one.

Keeping a paper journal private

Keep it somewhere that is yours, not on a shared table.
Do not write your full name, address or account details on the cover or first page if you would be uncomfortable with a stranger finding it.
Use initials or nicknames for other people if you worry about it being read.
If you need more security, some notebooks or boxes lock, though these stop casual curiosity rather than determined snooping.
When you no longer want old journals, shred or burn the pages safely rather than putting whole notebooks in the recycling.

Keeping a digital journal private

Lock the device with a strong passcode, and set the screen to lock quickly.
Use app locks if your journaling app offers a separate passcode or biometric lock.
Secure the account: a unique, strong password and two-factor authentication on whatever account stores your journal.
Read the privacy policy: check whether entries are encrypted, whether the company can read them, and whether they are used for anything beyond storing them. End-to-end encryption, where offered, means only you hold the key.
Watch shared devices and syncing: entries may sync to a family tablet or a shared computer without you noticing.
Think about previews: notification and widget previews can show text on a locked screen.
Export regularly: keep your own copy in an open format such as plain text or PDF, so you are not stuck if the app closes.

A note on safety

If you are living with someone who checks your phone or belongings, or who would react badly to what you write, your safety matters more than the journal. In that situation consider writing and then destroying pages, using a device or account they cannot access, or keeping journaling for when you are somewhere safe. If you are in a controlling or abusive relationship, support services can help you plan safely.

Questions to help you decide

Do you think better slowly with a pen, or quickly at a keyboard?
Will you want to search old entries?
Who could realistically get hold of your notebook or your phone?
Would losing the journal be upsetting, and how would you back it up?
Do you want the habit to be a break from screens?

Try one method for a month, then switch if it does not feel right. The format is less important than the habit of writing. Do you journal on paper, on screen or both? Share what works for you, or ask about privacy, in the comments.