Folkloristics in the Digital Age

Folklorists are not only interested in old or even dying traditions. They have a keen eye for emerging traditions as well, and since the 1980s there has been an interest in the communication technologies that are in a constant state of metamorphosis.

ln the articles of this volume, folklore researchers analyse both the long procesesses of learning to utilise new digital technologies and the fleeting moments in the life of a social media phenomenon, as well as the methods of archiving these for further use.

The internet has not diminished people's need to belong to communities or to communicate. lf anything, the many different social media services allow this to take place all the more easily. A sense of belonging may be announced by liking, clicking or sharing photos, music or memes.