Which specific subgenre of contemporary folklore consists of widely circulated, often sensational, stories that are presented as true accounts occurring in modern or recent settings, often featuring cautionary themes and frequently spread via modern media (e.g., ‘the friend of a friend’ stories)?

💡 Explanation:

Urban Legends are a specific category of folklore concerning modern, often untrue, stories that are presented as factual accounts. They contrast with traditional folktales because they are set in contemporary society and often feature modern technology or institutions. 'Etiological Myths' explain origins, 'Hagiographies' are biographies of saints, and 'Trickster Narratives' describe specific plot types, not the contemporary genre itself.