--- title: "\"About-Face\"book | Denver Psychiatry Blog" description: "“The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, by L. Frank Baum, is one of the most popular American stories of all time. It was written well over 100 years ago but has proven to be timeless. 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The story itself is amazi...", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Dr. Steve Sarche", "jobTitle": "Board Certified Psychiatrist" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Denver Psychiatry", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com" }, "datePublished": "2012-03-22T15:05:38+00:00", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/article/about-face-book" } } ] --- [ Denver Psychiatry Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. ](#home) [](tel:303-393-8808) [ Denver Psychiatry Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. ](#home) [Home](#home) Services ### Conditions We Treat [ ADHD Treatment Child & adult ADHD specialist care ](/adhd)[ Anxiety Treatment Generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety ](/anxiety-treatment)[ Depression Treatment Major depression, bipolar, mood disorders ](/depression-treatment)[ PTSD & Trauma Treatment Trauma recovery focused on full healing ](/ptsd-trauma-treatment) ### Specialty Care [ Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship-trained, ages 10 and up ](/child-adolescent-psychiatry)[ Performance Optimization Precision psychiatry for high performers ](/performance-optimization)[ Medication Management Expert prescription and monitoring ](#services) #### Talk to Dr. Sarche Call to schedule your initial evaluation [Call Now](tel:303-393-8808) About ### About Us [ Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. Board-certified psychiatrist ](#about)[ Our Approach Patient-centered, evidence-based care ](#approach)[ Osteopathic Medicine Holistic medical philosophy ](#resources) Resources ### Educational Resources [ General Information Learn about psychiatry and mental health ](#resources)[ Sleep & Wellness Tips for better sleep and health ](#resources)[ Nutrition & Mental Health Diet's impact on mood and cognition ](#resources) ### Patient Info [ Blog Articles Latest insights and updates ](#blog)[ FAQs Common questions answered ](#faq) #### New Patient? Learn what to expect at your first visit [Learn More](#services) Contact ### Get In Touch [ Contact Form Send us a message ](#contact)[ Call Us (303) 393-8808 ](tel:303-393-8808)[ Our Location 720 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 910N ](#contact) [Call Dr. Sarche](tel:303-393-8808) [Back to Blog](/blog) Depression # "About-Face"book Dr. Steve Sarche Board Certified Psychiatrist • Thursday, March 22, 2012 • 5 min read Share: [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fabout-face-book)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fabout-face-book&text=%22About-Face%22book)[](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fabout-face-book&title=%22About-Face%22book)[]() “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, by L. Frank Baum, is one of the most popular American stories of all time.  It was written well over 100 years ago but has proven to be timeless.  The story itself is amazingly creative and entertaining and it transfers very well both to the stage and the silver screen.  Adding to its mystique are the attempts that have been made to understand the symbolism and “true meaning” behind the story.  A widely accepted theory is that the story was a monetary allegory about the American economics of the time, but Baum did not offer any conclusive evidence that he intended his story to be an allegory. It is for this reason that I am offering my own interpretation of Baum’s story.  I believe that he predicted the internet’s development and warned of the subsequent sweeping changes it would cause in the world.  Specifically, he was thinking of Facebook. When you look at the story, the connections are obvious.  Dorothy, the heroine, represents all of us; common folk just trying to find our way in the world.  Toto represents the mouse for her computer.  She, like most people, wants to establish strong connections with others.  Suddenly there is a cyclone that takes her to a strange land (the rapid development of social media).  She meets a bunch of wonderful munchkins (computer bytes or shrinking brain cells; not sure which).  She finds the yellow brick road, a seemingly easy path to the Emerald City and salvation.  This was Baum’s representation of Facebook. Things look really good for Dorothy at first.  On the golden road, she meets the good witch, gets an haute couture set of silver shoes, and quickly makes some friends in the Scarecrow, the Tinman and the Cowardly Lion. Dorothy and her friends make it to the Emerald City, but the problems start to rear their ugly heads.  She and her friends all meet the Wizard, who appears as a different entity to each of them.   This was Baum’s commentary of how Facebook is not always what we think it is.  The first problem is introduced.  They don’t get what they expect right away; they have to overcome many challenges first.  Baum uses this twist in the plot line to underscore the fact that you have to be wary of some of the people you encounter on Facebook and the potential false promises made.  Additionally, that it generally requires time and work to establish strong and healthy relationships. As Dorothy and her entourage initiate their journey to take on the challenges, they encounter a wicked witch.  She sends a variety of incredibly undesirable and dangerous things their way, including wolves, crows, bees, and, of all things, flying monkeys.  Here, Baum uses the wicked witch to elaborate on how Facebook can become addictive and cause problems for you or your kids.   These  problems can include gaining weight by sitting in front of a screen all day, getting bullied, being the victim of a predator, becoming enamored of others’ virtual lives (that are usually over-hyped), and getting depressed that your life is not as good as others’.  Additionally, the flying monkeys must be Baum’s shout out to all of the bizarre things that get posted on Facebook. Dorothy and her posse eventually overcome the challenges.   Her little gang now consists of real, not virtual, friends.  This is Baum’s demonstration of how powerful a real friendship is compared to a virtual friendship.  Dorothy’s greatest victory occurs when she throws water on the wicked witch, thus melting her.   Baum is suggesting that once you realize that Facebook is causing problems, you should throw water on your computer and move on. Dorothy and her squad triumphantly make it back to the Emerald City which is now supposed to be their salvation.  They are escorted to see the Wizard, representing the greatness that Facebook could provide people’s lives.   Here is the kicker.  Toto, now representing carpal tunnel syndrome, exposes the Wizard for the fraud that he is.  He is just some weird little dude (Zuckerberg?) who has obtained great power through deceit. Baum was definitely not overly cynical, however.   Once the Wizard is uncovered for who he really is, he helps Dorothy and her mates find what they are looking for.  In other words, when used cautiously, frugally and with good limits, Facebook can be a really cool thing that can add positive to one’s life. Baum also uses an irony in this story to remind us that we don’t need Facebook to feel good.  During the challenges, the Scarecrow, convinced that he has no brains demonstrates rapid and clever problem solving skills.  The Tinman, sure of his lack of heart, shows compassion and determination throughout.  The Lion, the “coward”, performs courageous acts.  Baum is screaming at us that we don’t need virtual friends to feel good.  We are more capable than we think but we have to challenge ourselves to tap into our hidden strengths and convictions. The story ends with Dorothy clicking her heels three times and returning home.  She is greeted with very real hugs and kisses.  This is perhaps the “feel-good” ending of all time.  Dorothy’s three clicks represent the following:  #1 “close all programs”, #2 “log off”, and #3 “shut the computer down”. Share: [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fabout-face-book)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fabout-face-book&text=%22About-Face%22book)[](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fabout-face-book&title=%22About-Face%22book)[]() ### Need Help With Your Mental Health? Dr. Steve Sarche provides compassionate psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults in the Denver area. [Call to Speak With Dr. Sarche](tel:303-393-8808) ### Get new articles from Dr. Sarche We'll only email you when Dr. Sarche publishes a new article. Unsubscribe anytime. Subscribe ## Related Articles [ Depression ### Back to Nature “And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” John Muir, who has been called “The Father of our National Parks” As we prepare for the conclusion of another summer, it is important to r... Aug 15, 2019 4 min read ](/article/back-to-nature)[ Depression ### Suicide Prevention The week of September 5th through 11th is Suicide Prevention week. Suicide is a growing problem in the United States, making this week with a focus on awareness and prevention more and more important.... Sep 8, 2016 5 min read ](/article/suicide-prevention)[ Depression ### Goodbye To A True Genius In 1994, I was tired, frustrated, at times discouraged, but determined to get into medical school. I was in the midst of my second attempt. I was working in two emergency rooms and volunteering at ano... Aug 14, 2014 7 min read ](/article/goodbye-to-a-true-genius) ### Denver Psychiatry Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. 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