Lud internetowy i jego folklor

Abstract

The introductory essay presents various theoretical concepts based on the common idea that the development of digital media – the Internet and Web 2.0. in particular – has been accompanied by a peculiar return to folk culture. This return would consist in the recipients of media no longer being passive consumers, but actively engaging and co-creating both meanings and messages. The communication activity of the Internet users is characterised by the majority of traditionally recognised folklore features, such as spontaneity, anonymity, repeatability and variantivity. The paper also touches upon the issue of the terminology of Internet folklore as well as the problems related to the definition of Internet folklore.