Is it normal i don't understand the point of journals and diary's?

I feel like that's kind of like saying "what's the point for a girl to wear makeup if she doesn't want anyone to stare?" Honestly you write for yourself. I actually have a journal and have had some in the past as well. I write in it to capture a moment in time. You know how people take pictures to catch the moment? Well I write. That's not the only reason why though, sometimes I literally cannot sleep because I have this idea in my head or this daydream that I just have to write down. That actually happened to me the other night, woke up at 3am to write a poem. Also I am a bit lonely so it sort of helps to have a place where I could collect my thoughts and document my life. Writing poems in it or personal entries can be meditative. Sure maybe no one will see it, but I will, and for some people that's enough. Not everything you do has to be seen.

You think that your written thoughts are only valid if there are people to approve of them? What about doing something for yourself?

I have a diary, so I guess I could give you a few reasons.

-To reflect on my past when I'm older (memories aren't enough)
-To reflect on, and sometimes even make sense of, something that's happened to me. It's just a bit of introspection, I guess.
-It can be relaxing.

I guess the first point is my biggest reason. I'm a sentimental twat, and I like having something I can look back on. I like to see how I've changed, how I used to think. It's got nothing to do with anyone else.

I use my journal to vent and get my thoughts in order. I also write down reminders in it haha

Not everyone does something for a reaction.

People keep analogue journals because they don't know how to use online journals correctly, or they don't have access to the internet.

I keep several online journals (Getglue, Pinterest, Goodreads, Last.FM, Zeebox, Instagram, and even my GPS device) all of which are linked to my Twitter/Facebook accounts. They are there to help me remember stuff. I don't care if anyone or no one reads them.

I stay away from making libelous or hate fueled comments, and won't get naked online (sorry girls :q) so blackmail is never an issue.

I write in journals and diaries often and it is because I'm a very lonely person and for the most part I always have been. I don't really have anyone to talk to about some things on my mind. Writing in a journal just helps me to get it out. I feel better afterwards. Its like I'm ridding myself of all these distracting thoughts and it almost feels like I'm telling someone even though I'm not. Its kind of sad actually.

I had an English class in 9th grade where we were required to keep a notebook for our thoughts and feelings. I felt the same as you, and refused to do it. It bought me a C in the class, but I didn't care.

I kept a journal because I didn't have anyone to talk to. It was just me, and sometimes it was nice to see my thoughts written out on paper. It was like I was validating my own existence by creating a physical copy of what was on my mind.

I don't know about people who write them for fun or whatever, but the journal helped me through some tough times.

I keep a journal of my daily life so that later, when I'm much older, I can look back on it. Also, I love writing right before going to bed because it makes me feel like I got everything stressful off my chest.

I used to write in mine so I could look back in it later on in life and see where I was and what I was thinking at the time...and to vent off anger.

Military grade encryption and your secrets will be fine. Not counting the NSA though.

Me neither.

I think it's normal to think this way, but I would say journals/diaries are used for memories. When you read your own thoughts/opinions a few years later, you may realize how much you've changed, etc.