Paper short abstract:

This paper looks at how the digital legend of the “Slender Man” influences offline behaviors and imitators. These ostensive behaviors are frequently circulated back into the legend cycle via social networks and demonstrate a mutually constitutive relationship between lived legends and digital media.

Paper long abstract:

This paper looks at how the digital legend of the "Slender Man" influences offline behaviors and imitators—many of which are digitally documented, uploaded, and then circulated back into the legend cycle via social networks. By documenting a variety of ostensive practices inspired by the Slender Man legend (including alternate reality games, practical jokes, Halloween costumes, graffiti, and photobombs), this paper seeks to further scholarly understanding of the mutually constitutive relationship of lived folklore and digital media.