During this lecture, based on her latest scientific monograph Slavic Witches and Social Media as well as on her previous research and publications, dr Marta R. Jabłońska will present the formation of digital religiosity and spirituality in Poland, focusing on neopagan religions contrasted with the dominant Catholicism. Research on digital religiosity is gaining popularity among sociologists, cultural scholars, and religious scholars worldwide. However, the realm of Slavic spirituality in the context of immersion in social media remains marginally recognized. During her lecture, Dr. Jabłońska will discuss Slavic witches in the context of the growing popularity of neopagan religions and the role of social media in religious practices. Dr Jabłońska will address issues related to contemporary witchcraft in Poland, including the Wicca tradition, native Slavic beliefs, and individual eclectic paths. She will also touch upon the potential utility of artificial intelligence tools in the study of religiosity. Attendees will receive a vivid portrayal of Slavic witches, a deeper understanding of their beliefs, practices, and engagement on social media platforms. This lecture might be interesting for students of the sociology of religion, digital religion, ethnography, theology, communication, and new media. It is also pertinent for those fascinated by folk magic, Slavic traditions, and their adaptation to the digital landscape.
Dr Marta R. Jabłońska is Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz, and she specializes in sociology, cyberpsychology, digital religion, and artificial intelligence. Her research focuses on the manifestations of online religiosity and spirituality, personality in the context of cyber activities, and the applications of artificial intelligence in social research. She is a member of the Polish Sociological Association and The Association for the Sociology of Religion (ASR).
As a side note it is important to remind everyone that Mr. Andrzej Sapkowski, the author of "The Witcher" saga on which both the computer video game and the Netflix TV series is based, is a graduate of the Faculty of Economics and Sociology.