Eikirjallisia

Eikirjallisia is a Finnish term referring to literary works that exist primarily in digital form and are designed for electronic media. The concept encompasses texts that are born digital or that rely on digital environments for their form and reception. Eikirjallisia commonly exploits features of the medium, such as hypertext, interactivity, multimedia elements (sound, image, video), networked collaboration, and algorithmic or generative processes. Examples include hypertext fiction, digital poetry, interactive fiction, web-native narratives, and participatory projects where reader input influences the text.

In practice, eikirjallisia are distinguished from printed books or simple digitizations by their use of digital technologies to create new kinds of reading experiences. They may be published on websites, apps, or platforms that support interactive media, and they often require specific software, devices, or internet access. Questions of authorship, copyright, preservation, and accessibility are important in this field, as formats and platforms can change rapidly.

In Finland, the study of eikirjallisia is part of digital humanities and contemporary literary studies. Researchers examine form, reception, and the social and technical conditions of production and distribution. The term is used in Finnish scholarly and cultural discourse alongside broader labels such as digital literature or e-literature, reflecting both national and international exchange.