Digital archaeology. A democratic utopia

Abstract

In this article a brief account of a seemingly low-impact news-report and the ensuing debate on Facebook is used to illustrate how online meaning exchanges may lead to increased polarization, and deep disagreement, between two particular groups: metal-detectorists and archaeologists. In addition some issues for how to conduct ethical online research, such as when information should be seen as public or private, is discussed. I conclude by suggesting possible ways to decrease the existing divide between two groups with similar interests.