Blog, an abbreviation of web log, is an online logbook or a type of website where entries are made, such as Xanga and Facebook. The popularity of blogs is growing significantly. Some people think that blogs provide them personal space where they can really be who they want to be. Others argue that blogs bring about some negative effects which outweigh their benefits. For me, there is no doubt that blogs are more a blessing than a curse.
The first advantage is that blogs are bloggers’ own personal space where they can express themselves and really be who they are. Many people set up blogs in order to share their personal feeling, thoughts and anecdotes about daily life with others. Some people are too shy to share their innermost feelings with others and they do not know what to do. Blogging is the first step for them to communicate with others since they only need to write what they feel and be who they really are. Their friends also benefit by knowing more about them. Blogs are also like the babies of bloggers since blogs are their personal space that they can decorate in whatever way they like.
Another advantage is that blogging is a good way to keep in touch with friends and maintain friendship. People always subscribe to their friends’ blogs. They often read their friends’ updates to see how they spend their time and post comments. There is no need for them to meet or call their friends and they know what has happened to their friends. Blogging is very convenient and suitable for Hong Kong people since life in Hong Kong is extremely busy. If they have time, they may take a rest at home instead of going out. When they are relaxing, they also know the recent situation of their friends.
The last advantage is that blogging helps people release stress. No matter whether people are working or studying, they are surely under pressure. When they feel bad and have no one to talk about, they can write blogs. This helps them release pent up feelings. In some situations, it is easier for them to convey their feelings and share their experiences with others through writing.
Some people claim that blogging lowers people’s language standards, such as writing skills. Some people always write abbreviations, spoken language and symbols instead of words, such as “u” instead of “you”, “2” instead of “two” and so on. However, these abbreviations can actually help improve listening skills. Since speakers may speak so fast, short forms can help them take notes quickly. Also, blogging is not the only reason that causes the decline in language standard. Hong Kong people speak Cantonese. They always speak slangs. They have a higher chance of writing chinglish than those who speak Putonghua. Lastly, only a small proportion of people write blogs using spoken language. When you browse the Internet, you can find many articles which are about travel and news, written in very good language.
In conclusion, if used wisely, blogs can be a tool for people to maintain friendship and release pent up feelings. Instead of banning blogging, parents and teachers should give them guidance on how to use blogs wisely. Education is a more convenient way to present declining language skills than banning blogging. Therefore, blogs are more a blessing than a curse.