Digital media and public engagement in archaeology: an opinion piece

Abstract

New digital media are rapidly becoming an essential part of modern communications in archaeology. This is seldom theorised, and is being used without much understanding of the historical context of archaeological communications. The author provides  an initial and inevitably basis scheme for such a context. This is linked to the notion of conflict between disciplinary  exclusivity and the democratisation of knowledge. It is an attempt to establish parameters for future debate and discussion. The author’s position is that archaeologists too often have a hierarchical view of their relationship to  others, and this needs to change. There are also questions about the nature of modern digital media and how far they are themselves democratising agents. We need a greater understanding of our audiences, and what these audiences want from us. With greater understanding will come greater respect and a greater willingness to engage in productive dialogue. To enable this to happen, we need to begin framing the right questions to ask. Some of these are highlighted at the end of the article.