Makino: AI Journal & Diary

This app is surprisingly insightful compared to other AI chatbots I've tried. It doesn't feel like it's robotic or always repeating itself. No it's not a substitute for therapy - it can't match the expertise of a licensed professional and I think calling it an "AI therapist" is inappropriate. But it is a very useful resource in my toolbox and I think it could be beneficial for many people. I do wish the UI were better though. I'd love a search function and reminders to journal, and a breakdown of why each entry was assigned its points. And I think the layout could be more compact.

this says every single thing i’ve wished all my therapists would say. i went in doubtful; i do a lot of guided journals and emotional work and have been disappointed a lot. not only are the questions gently probing, the response from the caring counselor is so comforting, without being pandering or unhelpful. there’s insight AND reassurance. i don’t LOVE that missing a day lowers your ‘score’ but i do like that your counselor levels up based on how deeply you respond.

I am a lifelong journaler, starting back in the 1990s, when the actual hardcover journaling books were in style. With digital journals available and now AI being a new way of life, I decided to try an AI app. I tried the Evolve and LifeLight but didn’t like having to pay a monthly membership or not get the added insights that AI journals can give. I downloaded this app last night and it is so much better in regards to the insights and the price. First off, it’s a free app, which is nice. The insights you get from the AI counselors are priceless. There are 4 counselor preferences you set can set your insights to, from the original Makino, who offers a bit of history and psychology, to intelligent and friendly Ruby, to the last one who offers brutal honesty. I tried all 4 and they were all spot on. I used the open journal method. There’s also an audio option. You write or say your entry, then in a couple of minutes, you get a summary and feedback with action steps from the counselor. It’s brilliant. It’s the same advice I would get from a live person and available in the palm of my hands for a better free price. More importantly, it gives me a safe and insightful space to air out my feelings and experiences. I highly recommend it.