There's something new on Facebook and I am a total fan. Little quizzes.
How long will you live?
What President are you?
What Country should you live in?
What Heroine are you in a classic novel?
They're seemingly mindless ways to pass the time and I've done a lot of them. I don't play other types of games, but I'm hooked on these little two minute quizzes.
Maybe I did secretly hope to get JFK when I took the Which President Are You quiz, but by telling them my favorite color and political affiliation, I came away feeling pretty good being matched up with Lincoln. I mean, Lincoln is my ultimate hero.
What did I just say? People happily answer all sorts of personal questions without batting an eye, things we would guard from sharing on the net otherwise. How we spend our time, and our money, and with whom: we share all of the details through a game that harvests and records the people we are. Marketing brilliance, if you ask me.
They ask questions like ... Are you the kind of person who ... gets what they want at all costs; stands back and lets things play out before making your move; not interested in the drama and ok with however it turns out.
Or ... On a quiet evening would you rather ... be out on the town with friends; at home with a good book; be part of a girls weekend shopping trip in Tahoe.
I feel a little self image manipulation coming on! If your animal spirit is an Owl, you are wise and thoughtful; a Hawk is a purposeful and patient leader; an Eagle is majestic and intelligent. Everyone has amazing qualities, and this little game reminds us just how special we are. Now go! it says: out into the world and Be The Ball.
You'll never get the, oops, loser, you put nothing into life and you get nothing back. There is a participation trophy for those who play -- and never a worry about getting matched up with Herbert Hoover.
I like being told I'll live to be 100 and am considerate, courageous and kind. But I don't wonder how a little computer game can 'know' so much about me. I've posted I am from Illinois and my political postings are all Democrat. I have shared where I live, what I love, how many children I have, how many years I've been married, where I work, and pictures of our yard. Lincoln is a no brainer.
There's not much mystery about a buddy at work getting a boy and a girl on the How Many Children Is Right For You quiz, because that's what she's got. When I clicked on the link it went right to 3 sons - I didn't even have to take the quiz! Everybody knows I have 3 kids, and now also a computer in Palo Alto.
Smile for the camera.
