Written Analysis #3

I feel the concept of heroes applies most to my artifact, Facebook. As I have mentioned previously, Facebook can be viewed as a platform in social media for a variety of things. One use of this platform is to promote individuals that society feels may be considered a hero.  With Facebook being the face of communication these days, it is the fastest, and easiest, way for people to be heard across the world, so it is becoming the most likely means of sharing one’s story with the world.

Anyone that has had a Facebook page, at one time or another, has seen an image appear in their newsfeed saying something to the effect of, “I survived cancer, how many ‘likes’ can I get”, then see a million-plus ‘likes’ underneath the image. In my experience with these, often times that image is of a young child. In addition to these random photos, Facebook users will also come across Facebook ‘fan pages’ for individuals that may be struggling with a terminal illness. Often times, what may start off as a way for the family to keep other family members informed of their loved one’s progress, turns into an internet/Facebook sensation. Because this is a very well-known way of getting someone’s heartfelt message out to the world, there are almost too many these days to keep up with; however, many of us might find a hero in one of these stories. One of them for me is Talia Catellano. Her message did not begin with Facebook, however, many within the Facebook community ‘passed’ her story around after she had passed away and I know she touched many peoples’ hearts with her story of bravery and courage. To many, she could be viewed as a personal hero.

I feel Facebook and other social media sites, such as Twitter, are great ways to not only promote these types of individuals’ stories, but also give others someone else to look up to for strength and courage. These types of posts are becoming increasingly common among Facebook users and some of them, unfortunately, may not have the best intentions behind them; however, you never know whose story you might come across one day and what inspiration they may provide you. Talia’s story is just one example of a personal hero but I know that I have seen many others struggle with life’s curveballs far better than I could ever imagine and if Facebook can be used as a platform to provide others with a hero to look up to, then I think that is great.