People Blog as Therapy

Via Blogspotting's Heather Green (who also has the download link for a summary of the study), a new AOL survey on blogging that finds most bloggers aren't wannabe journalists or political activists, they blog as a form of therapy.

• One third of bloggers write about self-help and self-esteem topics.
• 54 % like to share their thoughts and feelings with others.
• 43% like to chronicle their life and interests.
• 31% turn to blogs for help and counseling.

In times of need or high anxiety, one-out-of-three people (31%) say they turn to either writing in their blog or reading the blogs of other people who are experiencing similar issues; that's six times as many people who prefer to seek help and counseling from a professional (5%). The No. 1 answer was seeking advice from family and friends: 32% vs. 31% who turn to blogs