Ostension and Criminal Legends: Contemporary Horror Tales as Part of Online Youth Lore

Abstract

This article examines the phenomenon of ostension and criminal legends in the context of contemporary horror tales circulating among Estonian youth, particularly through digital media. It explores how narratives about “men in white vans,” killer clowns, and Slenderman evolve from
online spaces into real-life practices, triggering moral panics and shaping public discourse. Drawing on folklore theory and the concept of ostension, the study analyzes the interplay between oral and digital traditions, media amplification, and participatory culture. The findings highlight how these legends reflect societal fears, identity construction, and the blurred boundaries between fiction and reality in the digital age.