Monday
Our word story comes from the Greek muthos, myth. Throughout the centuries storytelling has continuously changed. A new form of muthos has emerged--Facebook. Just like the ancient marketplace (Agora), it is a place for people to gather, share, and communicate. Follow me as we look at the different types of Facebook users. And you thought mythology was dead...
The Narcissist
Just like Narcissus spent all day staring at his reflection in the lake, this type of FB user spends his time looking at his reflection on the computer screen. He posts self-obsessed status updates that let the world know how much he's in love with himself. Don't look for Narcissists on your profile page; they're posting only in the newsfeed: Just got my hair cut and colored. Looks awesome! Two posts below, another user: Lost 26 lbs! Didn't even work that hard! While this group can be quite annoying, they are less threatening than the next user...
The Voyeur
Like Zeus, safe on Mount Olympus observing humans on Earth, this type of FB user is
only a search away from secretly scrutinizing your life. It's easy enough for her to flip through your pictures and status updates and feel that she knows you intimately. Unlike Narcissists, Voyeurs will post on your profile page. Like Zeus, they need to remind you of their presence, occasionally: When did you go to Greece? The photos are amazing!!! The Voyeur is only one Xanax away from the more extreme version...
The Stalker
These users seek out and follow others on FB. They're not posting in the newsfeed or to your profile-- they're in-boxing you. They are the Apollos of the Facebook world; he stalked Daphne so incessantly, she turned herself into a laurel tree to escape him. Poor Daphne, if only she had privacy settings...
The Muse
Muses log on to post updates that are often quotes by musicians or philosophers. They give you links to new movies, recommend books, or make political stands. Just like each Muse had her own area of expertise and influenced people to create music, art, or write, these users introduce you to new media and ideas. The Greek Muses talked a lot-- to everyone--and that makes FB the perfect venue for today's Muse. While the Muse is friendly, s/he is not as popular as the next user...
The Traveler
Hermes, the messenger god who traveled often, would have enjoyed the luxury of the check-in. FB users who are like Hermes love to tell the rest of us where they are and what they are doing: Jaime checked in at Caesars Atlantic City. They tag friends who are with them and cause a flare of jealousy in the rest of us who are home typing papers.
But you don't have to take my word for it, I'm just the messenger (also from the Greek, angelos). Look for classical mythology in modern technology the next time you're on Facebook. While you're there, create your own muthos. Oh, and you may want to edit your privacy settings.
About the Author
Angelina Carione is an MFA candidate in Creative Writing (nonfiction) at Rosemont College. She is a graduate of Rowan University and holds a BA in political science and MS in teaching. Her current research is taking her to London this summer where she will present at the EPIC. Previously, she has presented her research at the MLA and ALA conferences. She is currently working on a memoir.
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