Seite - 238 - in Limina - Grazer theologische Perspektiven, Band 3:2

238 | www.limina-graz.eu Chiara Zuanni | Heritage in a digital world Introduction This paper aims to introduce posthumanism theories in digital heritage re- search. It will question the role of human and non-human agents in con- structing heritage knowledge in the digital sphere and in constituting the digital sphere itself as an heritage object. In doing so, the paper will draw on posthumanism theory and on current research on developing and ana- lysing digital engagement; the communication, mediation, and creation of heritage knowledge and values in the digital public sphere; and the dis- courses of authenticity and agency in relation to digital reproductions and objects. The first section of this paper aims to briefly introduce Critical Heritage Stud- ies, with an emphasis on the development of this field from the perspective of archaeology and museology. “Heritage” will be defined as an intangible process in the present, in which knowledge and values are ascribed to the remains of the past, the natural environment, and cultural practices. Sub- sequently, the concept of “digital heritage” will be introduced, leading to a section reviewing the evolution of digital methods in the heritage sector and discussing the understanding of heritage and cultural audiences and their experiences in the digital sphere. It will be argued that activities on digital media do not only offer the possibility of observing the construc- tion and circulation of heritage knowledge online, but they also represent precious documentation of contemporary heritage. The following two sections will unpack the interaction of human and non-human agents in shaping users’ online experiences, and the role of platform structures as posthuman assemblages. It will be argued that the temporary encounters of technological affordances and users’ own identities and practices lead to the formation of heritage knowledge in complex networks. The discussion will suggest that these platforms are themselves worthy of consideration as heritage objects. In this context, the emergence and growth of born- digital collections in the heritage sector has started to reveal some of the challenges for professionals curating such assemblages, and the paper will suggest possible future work to address these issues. In short, the paper is situated across Critical Heritage Studies, digital herit- age, and museology, and aims to summarise current challenges in working with platforms to disseminate, examine, and preserve contemporary her- itage. The use of posthuman frameworks is therefore suggested as a way to disentangle and productively investigate the role of technology and human agency in shaping current heritage-making processes and practices.