QUESTIONS OF INTERNET FOLKLORE STUDIES IN MODERN COMMUNICATION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/2410-0927-2025-22-5Keywords:
folklore genres, folklore elements, internet communication, internet folklore, online communication, online communities, online forum, internet linguistics, simplification methodAbstract
The study of internet folklore, a relatively new field of research dating back to the late 1990s, examines the unique ways folklore manifests in the digital age. Researchers have identified such main areas of focus as analyzing traditional folklore genres with new content (like online fairy tales or memes), studying the subculture of online communication, exploring folklore genres online, and focusing on folklore genres that exist solely online, like memes. A key challenge in this field is understanding how folklore is disseminated online. While some research exists, a comprehensive analysis of the development and functioning of internet folklore is still lacking. This gap is partly due in part to the rapid evolution of the digital information space, which has significantly altered the mechanisms of folklore communication. The text highlights the importance of recognizing the unique characteristics of internet folklore communication. Unlike traditional folklore, which relies on oral transmission, internet folklore utilizes a hybrid form of communication that blends oral and written elements. This hybridity is evident in the use of written text that mimics the characteristics of spoken language, such as intonation, emotions, and pace, to create a sense of live communication. The text also emphasizes the role of collectiveness in internet folklore. While the original author of a piece of internet folklore may be unknown, the text itself is shaped and refined through the collective contributions of users. This process is similar to the traditional folklore model, where the significance of the original creator is often lost over time as the text becomes a shared cultural heritage. In conclusion, the text argues that internet folklore represents a significant evolution of traditional folklore, adapted to the unique environment of the digital world. Further research is needed to fully understand the complexities of this new form of communication and its impact on contemporary culture.
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