Not all history is certain: improving Wikidata records

What is it about?

We examined how Wikidata handles uncertain information in its cultural heritage records (artworks, books, and films). While Wikidata has several ways to mark uncertainty—like competing theories about artwork creators or unclear historical dates—these features are rarely used and can be confusing. By comparing cultural records with astronomical data, we found significant differences in how uncertainty is recorded across fields. To improve its reliability and usefulness, we recommend simplifying how Wikidata marks uncertain information.

Featured Image

Photo by Theo Aartsma on Unsplash

Photo by Theo Aartsma on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Not all historical facts are set in stone—some are debated, uncertain, or based on incomplete evidence. We provide the first systematic analysis of how uncertain historical information is represented in Wikidata's cultural heritage records. Our findings reveal significant limitations in current practices, showing that tools for representing uncertainty are rarely used and often applied inconsistently. This matters because improving how we represent uncertain claims is crucial for accurately documenting cultural heritage, where competing interpretations and evolving scholarly understanding are common. Our recommendations could help transform how historical uncertainty is represented in one of the world's largest knowledge bases.

Perspectives

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As someone deeply interested in cultural heritage and digital knowledge, I find this research particularly compelling because it addresses a challenge I’ve encountered firsthand: representing historical uncertainty in the digital age. When I started working with cultural heritage data, I was struck by how much of our historical knowledge relies on interpretations, educated guesses, and competing theories. This work goes beyond enhancing a database—it fosters a more profound understanding that history is not a fixed set of facts but an ongoing dialogue. I hope this article sparks more nuanced discussions on documenting and sharing cultural heritage in the digital world.

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