The Internet is The New Woods (Monsters, Ostension, & Moral Panics) This episode introduces us to two "monsters" who were birthed on the internet, but couldn't be contained there. Their names are Slenderman and Momo, and they are great examples of a few key folkloric concepts. So join us as we take a look at Slenderman and Momo and learn about ostension, monster theory, moral panics, and the defining traits that make something folklore as opposed to just a simple online expression of creativity.

Guests:

Dr. Vivian Asimos, author of Digital Monsters and Digital Mythology and the Internet's Monster: The Slender Man

Ben Brock Johnson, Amory Sivertson, and Quincy Walters from WBUR's podcast, Endless Thread

Chelsey Weber-Smith, host of American Hysteria

Kathleen Hale, author of Slenderman: Online Obsession, Mental Illness, and the Violent Crime of Two Midwestern Girls

And featuring the voice talents of:

Jordan Reed as Georgeriegegege

Colin Parker as Victor Surge

Ty from Side Character Quest

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