Buddhism the Internet and Digital Media

<p><em>Buddhism the Internet and Digital Media: The Pixel in the Lotus</em> explores Buddhist practice and teachings in an increasingly networked and digital era. Contributors consider the ways Buddhism plays a role and is present in digital media through a variety of methods including concrete case studies ethnographic research and content analysis as well as interviews with practitioners and cyber-communities. In addition to considering Buddhism in the context of technologies such as virtual worlds social media and mobile devices authors ask how the Internet affects identity authority and community and what effect this might have on the development proliferation and perception of Buddhism in an online environment. Together these essays make the case that studying contemporary online Buddhist practice can provide valuable insights into the shifting role religion plays in our constantly changing mediated hurried and uncertain culture.</p>