Catching the Transient: Epidemic Reflections on Social Networking Sites

This paper focuses on the social dimensions of the coronavirus epidemic, which emerged and spread in various forms in social networking sites during the “first epidemic wave” (March-May 2020). Using digital ethnography, the authors analyse eleven selected pages, groups, and profiles on Facebook and Instagram, as well as a blog, and interpret the material in light of current socio-political events. Through a thematic analysis, the authors form four thematic sets (social engagement, conspiracy theories, humour, everyday), which show the inherent intertwinement of the digital and non-digital spheres. © 2021 Slovensko Etnolosko Drustvo. All rights reserved.