Zhang, H., Belinskaya, Y., Rodgers, D.A. et al. (1 more author) (Accepted: 2025) Algorithmic alchemy: The power of the witch on YouTube. Folklore. ISSN 0015-587X (In Press)
Abstract
This article explores the implications of the algorithmic representations of videos recommended by YouTube. The analysis is based on the mix of computational and qualitative explorations of an automated network of videos. The network was built around a seed video, a recording of a BBC television documentary broadcast in 1971: The Power of the Witch. This interdisciplinary article brings together contemporary witchcraft studies, digital studies around YouTube communities, and research on algorithmic inequalities. The authors explore which socially constructed ideas about witchcraft are echoed by the algorithmic artefact that forms the links between the clusters of videos within the network.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2025 The Folklore Society. |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Social Sciences (Sheffield) > Department of Journalism Studies (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 30 Jun 2025 14:56 |
Last Modified: | 30 Jun 2025 14:56 |
Status: | In Press |
Publisher: | Taylor and Francis Group |
Refereed: | Yes |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:228523 |
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Filename: Algorithmic Alchemy Final edit.docx
