Cloud Civilisations

Mastering the Digital: Astrology, Spirituality and Magic in the Internet Age (ft. Eylül)

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We’ve reached Episode 7 of my Mastering the Digital series, where digital anthropologists and I deep dive into their diverse research projects.

The popularity of astrology online initially inspired this week’s guest to embark on her research project exploring the magic of the online realm and spirituality in the Internet age.

I spoke with Eylül Bombacı, a researcher, anthropologist and editor; previously, her background was in sociology and psychology. She has experience in market research, writing and editing, as well as copywriting and music. Her research interests include religion, technology, art and mental health. She has been writing for different magazines as a freelance writer and worked as a market researcher before pursuing her master's degree.

Some key takeaways:

  • Traditionally in anthropology (and perhaps also in popular beliefs), societies without technologies like the Internet and an industrial capitalist economy are seen as ‘pre-modern.’ They are considered more ‘enchanted’ (aka more in touch with spirituality) compared to ‘modern’ societies.
  • However, users of social media apps like TikTok, or the popular astrology app CoStar, may see things differently; they still practice spirituality, but how they are ‘enchanted’ is just digitally mediated these days.
  • But there are also others engaging with spirituality today who reject digital technologies; this ties in with their wider beliefs on well-being and how they relate to the larger universe.

    • Connect with Eylül via: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eylulbombaci/

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    Cloud CivilisationsBy Yung Lo