Tech

Digital witchcraft: the rise of the virtual coven

Published

4 years ago

June 4, 2021

Technology has driven witchcraft from the fringes, right into our Instagram feeds

If you’ve seen tarot, crystals or meditation pop up on your TikTok ‘for you page,’ it’s likely that you’ve stumbled across #witchtok. As interest in traditional religion dwindles, young women are using this space to reclaim their spirituality.

The unexpected rise of #witchtok

The ‘witchtok’ hashtag has racked up a total of over 11 billion views since it kicked off on TikTok in 2019. Since then, the community has established an impressive following on other social platforms like Instagram and Twitter.

https://www.tiktok.com/@witchtokboy/video/6967155116147215621?lang=en&is_copy_url=0&is_from_webapp=v1&sender_device=pc&sender_web_id=6968266470396872193

So what is witchcraft, and why is it so popular online?

David Garland from Pagan Awareness Network says anyone can do witchcraft. He says it’s a craft you can develop with practice, much like knitting.

“Witchcraft is the act of invoking change using your environment.”
David Garland, Pagan Awareness Network

Garland says the Pagan community should embrace #witchtok. “If it makes people think and consider spiritual alternatives, then it’s not a bad thing,” he said.

Spirituality without the rules

The interest in witchcraft driven by #witchtok comes at a time where young people are increasingly turning away from traditional religion.

Danae Moon Thorpe, owner of Spellbox and self-proclaimed witch says many young people are drawn to the community’s founding ideas of empowerment and self-determination.

“We live in a world that’s increasingly turning away from spirituality,” she says.

“Religion often brings dogma and rules. This is like a philosophy, a way of connecting. It’s a way of being. And it’s different for everyone.”
Danae Moon Thorpe

Rise of the wellness industry

Another reason for the sudden interest in digital witchcraft might even be the rise of the wellness industry.

Wellness is a $700 billion industry and expected to grow to nearly a trillion by 2021.

“To me, self care is being real. And being authentic. Often, we lose ourselves so witchcraft is always about connecting with nature and others,” says Danae Moon.

The feminist reclamation

There’s a reason the new witches are primarily young women – experts say witchcraft can be a profoundly feminist practice.

“The major religions of the world are patriarchal and worship men,” says Skye Alexander, author of more than two dozen books on spirituality, including The Modern Guide to Witchcraft.

“This stimulates an interest in goddess-based spirituality, where it’s all about feminine energy and power.”

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Natasha Schapova

Natasha is an Associate Producer at ticker NEWS with a Bachelor of arts from Monash University. She has previously worked at Sky News Australia and Monash University as an Online Content Producer.

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Tech

Trump extends TikTok sale deadline by 90 days

Trump extends TikTok’s sale deadline to US owner by 90 days, ensuring continued access for American users.

Published

3 days ago

June 20, 2025

ticker NEWS

Trump extends TikTok’s sale deadline to US owner by 90 days, ensuring continued access for American users.

In Short:
President Trump extended the deadline for TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app to an American owner by 90 days, allowing it to operate in the U.S. until September 17, 2025. He hopes for a deal with China while maintaining TikTok’s presence for its 170 million U.S. users amidst security concerns.

President Donald Trump has extended the deadline for TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app to an American owner by another 90 days.

The executive order signed by Trump allows the Chinese company to continue operating in the U.S. until September 17, 2025. Trump announced the extension on Truth Social, expressing hope for a deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

During a flight on Air Force One, Trump suggested that Xi would be willing to approve a sale if a buyer appeared. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasised the administration’s aim to keep TikTok available for American users while ensuring data security.

TikTok has approximately 170 million users in the U.S., with declining support for a ban, according to Pew Research. An initial ban on the app, instituted under the Biden Administration over national security issues, briefly took effect but was reversed after Trump indicated he would allow TikTok to continue.

TikTok has asserted that it does not pose any security threats to the U.S. and that American data is not stored in China. Following the extension, users have returned to TikTok, with reduced engagement on competing platforms.

Past potential buyers include Amazon and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, though no sale was finalised due to trade tensions. Under U.S. law, ByteDance must sell TikTok to a U.S. buyer, but the company has remained silent about its intentions.

Tech

Smart glasses could replace smartphones by 2035

“Experts predict smart glasses powered by AI will replace smartphones by 2035, transforming our tech interactions.”

Published

5 days ago

June 18, 2025

Ahron Young

“Experts predict smart glasses powered by AI will replace smartphones by 2035, transforming our tech interactions.”

Smart Glasses Could Replace Smartphones by 2035 — Experts say wearable tech powered by AI is on track to replace smartphones within a decade. T

These sleek, voice-first devices are poised to transform how we interact with technology, with tech giants investing heavily in the space. Will your next phone fit on your face?

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#SmartGlasses #TechRevolution #AI #Wearables #FutureTech #BigTech #VoiceFirst #NextGenDevices

Tech

AI will reduce Amazon workforce, CEO Andy Jassy predicts

Amazon CEO predicts AI will shrink workforce, altering job types, but won’t lead to immediate mass layoffs.

Published

5 days ago

June 18, 2025

Ahron Young

Amazon CEO predicts AI will shrink workforce, altering job types, but won’t lead to immediate mass layoffs.

In Short:
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy warns that advancements in artificial intelligence may reduce the workforce over time, primarily through attrition rather than mass layoffs. Many industries, including retail, are adopting AI, which could lead to job cuts while creating new specialised roles.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has indicated that advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) will likely lead to a decrease in the workforce within the company in the coming years.

In a recent communication to employees, Jassy described generative AI as a transformative technology that is already changing Amazon’s operations and customer interactions.

While he did not specify the exact extent of job reductions, he acknowledged that improvements in efficiency through AI would result in fewer roles.

Upcoming changes will primarily occur through attrition rather than mass layoffs, as seen in previous years. Certain teams may face layoffs, particularly those related to products like Alexa.

Impacts of AI

Jassy’s remarks are among the strongest from a large corporation regarding the potential impacts of AI on employment.

Various industries, including retail and pharmaceuticals, are adopting AI for multiple functions, which necessitates new job roles but also implies potential job cuts.

Surveys show a significant percentage of employers anticipate downsizing their workforce as a result of AI.

In the tech sector, many companies are prioritising the hiring of individuals with AI skills, as AI tools become integral to business efficiency.

Amazon plans to heavily invest in AI infrastructure. Jassy noted that the company is developing over 1,000 AI agents to enhance its productivity.