Why is journaling essential in a society driven by attention?
In today’s digital society, attention has become the new currency, replacing material wealth as a measure of value. With the connectedness of the digital world, attention has been democratized—everyone now has the ability to gain attention. Previously, attention was concentrated on a select few individuals. Social media has given those who attract attention enormous influence. This shift has created a new type of competition: people no longer compare themselves solely by material possessions or appearances but also by the amount of attention they receive. The more you share things that are perceived as truthful, the more attention you gain.
Those who fail to gain attention often feel that they do not contribute to society in a meaningful way. This reflects a deeper human drive—not only to help our species but also to seek a form of immortality. Valuable thoughts outlive the individual who shares them. However, in a society where attention is the main objective, those who receive little attention often feel isolated and disconnected. People want to contribute to society and, by extension, seek attention as validation. This makes attention the measure of self-worth, which is an extremely dangerous dynamic.
This is why journaling is one of the most important tools in modern society. It addresses two critical challenges: (a) it is one of the most effective ways to improve our thinking, and (b) it helps mitigate the psychological costs of an attention-focused society.
Regarding the first aspect, writing helps you articulate and express your thoughts more effectively. This improves your ability to share thoughtful, valuable ideas with others. Additionally, writing enables you to refine and iterate on your ideas. When you put a thought down on paper, you can challenge it and develop it further.
From a mental health perspective, journaling provides an outlet to voice your opinions and explore your thoughts deeply. The value of introspection through journaling lies in feeling heard—by paying attention to your own thoughts, you develop a stronger sense of your personal reality. Journaling gives you influence over your internal world. By documenting your thoughts, you gain the ability to alter your perception of reality. In doing so, you take back control of a part of your life that truly belongs to you.