Not Just Blogging Archaeology - Media and Social Media's Influence on Archaeology

Since the time of Renfrew and Binford, archaeology as a profession has embraced both a scientific methodology and the new tools science offers. From radiocarbon dating and geophysics to 3D imaging, these tools have enhanced the way we understand and communicate the human past. Now, the internet and 21st century technology offers new, multivocal venues through which we can relay archaeological information to the profession, enthusiasts, and the general public. From blogging and podcasting to YouTube videos and television series, communicating archaeology has never been easier. Anyone can start a blog, shoot some video, or record a podcast. Technology has reduced the cost of access and can allow archaeologists to speak directly to the public and peers. This session seeks to ask the following questions: is the use of social media helping or hurting archaeology? Are there drawbacks? Have we created an easy resource of archaeological information for looters? How has social media, via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, to name a few, influenced archaeology in practice and the public's view of archaeology? This session solicits input from bloggers, podcasters, and film producers, each with a unique perspective rooted in the medium they've chosen to represent archaeology.