AI journal apps like Rosebud are creating new mental health habits – Photo courtesy of demaerre / iStock Via Getty Images Plus
Journal writing can be an effective tool for managing stress, boosting mood, and improving self-awareness. I’ve been writing in a journal for over a decade, upon the recommendation of my first therapist, who suggested I keep a journal to process thoughts and feelings in between sessions.
However, as time passed, my journal entries felt redundant and less purposeful than they used to be. To give my journal writing a boost, I decided to try an AI journal app that offers prompts and other features to inspire my writing.
I chose the Rosebud journal app, which I’d been hearing about everywhere. Some key features of this AI journaling app include sections for practicing gratitude, tracking dreams and relationship progress, and exploring mental health topics.
Also, with voice-to-text capabilities, the Rosebud journal app lets you journal on the go. It works with you and your entries, offering insightful responses and additional writing prompts based on your input. Here’s what I learned and how this AI journaling has changed my outlook on the process as a whole.
How does the Rosebud journal app work?
The Rosebud journal app is ideal for those looking for a more engaging, interactive way to journal. Because I type on the computer all day for work, the voice-to-text feature is one of my favorite features of AI journaling. I love how I can let out a stream of consciousness toward the end of the day and let the app do the work. It misses and mispronounces some words, but for the most part, it’s pretty accurate and can record up to 10 minutes of speech.
Because Rosebud is AI-driven, it can analyze entries and provide questions to help you dig deeper if you want. Sometimes I don’t want to dig deeper, so I don’t select the offered writing prompt. Other times, I want to push myself and see what writing comes up in response to the AI-generated prompts.
One of the most impressive features of Rosebud is its ability to recognize patterns and provide insights you might not have noticed on your own. As someone who tends to overlook more minor details, this has been paramount in my growth, especially between therapy sessions.
Another feature I love about the Rosebud journal app is that you can import photos. In a way, the AI journal app functions as my digital journal and scrapbook. The app pulls photos from your camera roll, or you can take them via the app.
Also, as someone who likes to reread journal entries weeks and months later to see the progress I’ve made, I like how the Rosebud journal app keeps entries organized and easily searchable.
While I love using Rosebud, I think it could benefit from offering users more customization options. For example, I’d love to be able to change the color palette, font, and display themes to make the AI journal app feel more personalized.
Is Rosebud AI journal safe and HIPAA-compliant?
Before using the app, I had concerns about the safety and privacy of my journal entries. To get answers, I reached out to Rosebud, and they provided me with some helpful information.
Rosebud has a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with Google to ensure HIPAA-aligned data handling. Additionally, Rosebud uses OpenAI, Anthropic, and Gemini for advanced computational tasks, including artificial intelligence operations and language processing. According to Rosebud, all data processed through these services is anonymized, containing only the contents of journal entries without any user-identifying information. The platform also has Zero Data Retention (ZDR) agreements with these providers, ensuring that they handle data in compliance with HIPAA standards and discard it immediately after processing.
It’s important to note that journaling, including via an AI journal app, shouldn’t be used as a replacement for professional mental health counseling and therapy. I’ve found it to be a helpful tool; however, AI can’t address and treat mental health issues in the same way that a clinician can.
How much does the Rosebud journal app cost?
The Rosebud journal app comes with a price tag. The app is around $13 a month or more than $100 for an annual subscription. The cost is more than traditional pen and paper, but you’re getting some additional features to enhance your journal writing practice. I don’t know if I see myself using the Rosebud AI journal app for years to come, but I think it’s a good short-term investment for my mental health.
Best AI journal apps
Rosebud isn’t the only game in town. There are more AI journaling apps out there if you want to try them out.
Reflectly
Similar to Rosebud, Reflectly lets users write down their feelings and offers personalized prompts for inspiration. Consider it a digital diary that reflects motivational quotes and positive feedback back to you. The mood-tracking AI journaling app offers prompts to keep you committed to journaling. The free version is pretty comprehensive, but monthly and annual upgrades are available.
Day One
Day One is an online journal app for more advanced journal writers looking to go beyond an ordinary digital diary. Users can write handwritten entries, use voice dictation, add photos and videos, and secure their journal with a passcode and biometric information. There is a free basic option limited to one device, or a small monthly fee for upgrades.
Mindsera
Mindsera gives users a chance to write down their thoughts, feelings, and emotions to receive insights and feedback on entries. A unique feature is that Mindsera provides insights into your personality over time as it learns more about you. Sort of like carrying around a therapist (or empathetic listener) in your pocket. A chatbot can remind you of good days and thoughts when you need it most.
As most AI journaling apps do, Mindsera promises to encrypt all written content fully and not use your data to train or improve AI models. The free version offers a minimal journal and habit tracker, but the monthly or annual upgrade adds all the bells and whistles.
