Findings & Footnotes

A forthcoming issue of the journal Social Compass (articles online in June) is devoted to Witchcraft 2.0, meaning witchcraft adapted to digital technology and social media. According to the lead article, such digital forms of witchcraft, including “TikTok witches” and similar forms of magic on Instagram and other media represent an “unprecedented resurgence and (almost) unexpected revival.” The authors draw a line between other forms of digital religion and digital witchcraft due to the way the latter is situated halfway between religion and the secular and between tradition and modernity. More than other religions, witchcraft “constitutes a social, political, and media practice, largely reshaped by digital platforms, in the forms of cyber-covens, the use of social media as ritual spaces, and the viral circulation of spells and magical discourses.” Articles in this issue include a look at mobile apps and the tension this technology poses between commercialization and spiritual authenticity; an article on how digital witchcraft has been adapted to the video game universe; and a study of how digital witchcraft is a form of “resistance to gender and sexual norms” in the forms of healing rituals and celebrations of transgender identity. More information on this issue.