In a heritage sector that prizes public engagement, a curious paradox has emerged: while professional discourse often champions in-person outreach, a deep-seated hesitancy and a lack of practical models have left the digital sphere largely uncharted territory. In this talk, Steph Black, the digital archaeologist and creator behind 'Steph the Archaeologist,' argues for a radical new approach: to be cringe is to be free. She will reflect on her journey as a pioneer in short-form video and explore how the freedom from the constraints of academic formality and the fear of imperfection is a powerful tool for dismantling barriers and fostering a more authentic, human-centred dialogue about the past.
Steph will discuss the personal toll of online harassment, the constant battle against misinformation, and the profound ethical risk of decontextualising complex histories into simplistic, consumable soundbites.
This reality forces us to ask fundamental questions: Are we simply broadcasting, or are we building genuine dialogue? And how do we navigate the ethical tightrope of representing human stories online with the respect they deserve?
Drawing on her own work as a case study, the talk will ultimately explore this complex reality. It will weigh the power of authentic connection against the perils of online exposure, offering a candid perspective on what it truly takes to build resilient, engaged communities and give the past a new voice in new digital worlds.
Speakers
