Digital folklore comprises the unofficial stories, memes, and rituals that emerge and spread across digital platforms. It reflects shared cultural experiences and anxieties of the Internet era, often evolving with the speed of Digital Culture.
Unlike traditional folklore, which often relies on oral transmission and localized communities, digital folklore leverages the global reach and instantaneous nature of the internet. This allows for rapid dissemination, remixing, and adaptation, creating a dynamic cultural landscape. It encompasses a wide array of phenomena, from simple image macros and Internet Memes to elaborate Creepypasta stories, urban legends, and online challenges. These forms often blend humor, social commentary, collective anxieties, and shared experiences, providing a sense of community and understanding among users.
The study of digital folklore examines how these online narratives, symbols, and practices function within Online Communities and influence broader Digital Culture. It highlights the participatory nature of online interaction, where individuals are not just consumers but also active contributors and shapers of shared cultural content. This constant creation and re-creation contribute to the rich tapestry of unofficial digital traditions, mirroring and sometimes even leading shifts in popular thought and behavior.
