Virtual Myths

Virtual Myths

Kiara Pellegrini

Myths are considered to be stories or beliefs about a certain person or community. Myths were known to contain great power not only due to the fascinating stories that were told and shared throughout the community, but also because of the hidden message and lesson that was insinuated within the words (Tuan, 2010). The Ancient Greeks believed how we told our stories were how we viewed the world (Van Lyun, 2013).

The Ancient Greek beliefs have been carried on through into the virtual world. Facebook users document their stories, as well as their understandings and views on their personal facebook profiles. This is the way in which they want others to view themselves and how they believe they should be portrayed.

Personally, I feel that I myself stay true to my online identity whilst being online. As stated in previous blogs, I do believe that facebook users twist their identity to be viewed as attractive or entertaining to gain the interest of others.

“From the equality of rights springs identity of our highest interests, you cannot subvert you neighbor’s rights without striking a dangerous blow at your own.” Carl Schurz allows me to realise and understand that I could be hypercritical if stating that my facebook account profile contains the real me but someone else is being fake. For, others may believe that my facebook isn’t the real me but theirs is; giving me the impression that the situation can be quite biased.

However through my observation of facebook, it is common practice for people to be the complete opposite either through physical looks or their personality from their online self compared to reality. Others gain more confidence knowing that they aren’t able to be viewed physically, giving them a form of anonymity and allowing them to depict an almost fantasy life.

So how authentic are you?

Reference List

Van Luyn, A. (2012). BA1002: Our Space: Networks, narratives and the making of place, Lecture 5: Narrative and Place  [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from http://learnjcu.edu.au

Carl Schurz. (n.d.). BrainyQuote.com. Retrieved August 29, 2013, from BrainyQuote.com Web site: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/c/carlschurz133659.html

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/citation/quotes/quotes/c/carlschurz133659.html#S47CGtPgvaDtUqpa.99 

Tuan, F (2010): Language and the Making of Place: A Narrative- Descriptive Approach. Taylor & Francis.

Image Credits

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