With the advancement of computers and the internet, new technologies have become deeply integrated into the fabric of history. The advent of computers and the internet has ushered in one of the most profound social and cultural transformations the world has ever witnessed.

Digital history, as a field, exhibits several key characteristics. Before delving further into these traits, it is important to clarify a fundamental aspect. Digital history is not a singular project or a defined entity but rather a term of tactical convenience. It represents an evolving field with the potential for significant breakthroughs. At its core, digital history is centered on the study of history. It involves using digital tools and methods to examine and represent the past, and it cannot be divorced from historical content. Thus, digital history is deeply rooted in traditional historical study and must address the same range of disciplines and fields as conventional history. This leads to the second characteristic: digital history is a diverse and interdisciplinary domain. Thirdly, unlike merely digitizing historical records, digital history is an approach grounded in creation. It employs the hypertextual capabilities of digital technologies to develop frameworks through which people can engage with, read about, and follow arguments related to significant historical issues. Digital history cannot be divorced from technology, or it relies on modern communication tools such as computers, the internet, and various software systems.

In examining the domains where digital history is applied, Crymble categorizes them into five key areas: historical research, archives, classrooms, self-learning ecosystems, and scholarly communication channels. These categories emphasize the role of historians as the primary actors, suggesting that all five areas involve professionals who engage with and study the past. A review of these fields reveals that digital history extends beyond the production of scholarly work and communication. It includes the development of new educational materials, data collection efforts, and the creation, definition, querying, and annotation of historical associations. However, digital history is not solely about producing online exhibitions or websites. Instead, it emphasizes the process-oriented work of employing new media tools in research and analysis—essentially, the practice of “doing” digital history. This focus on process rather than mere output challenges the conventional understanding of digital history. Viewing digital history solely through the lens of its products can lead to a superficial or outdated perspective of the technology involved. Future research may benefit from exploring additional technological methods and their applications within the digital medium to deepen our understanding of history in this new era.

In conclusion, the advancement of computers and the internet has fundamentally transformed the study of history, integrating new technologies deeply into historical research and representation. Digital history, as a dynamic and evolving field, goes beyond merely digitizing records; it involves creating innovative frameworks and utilizing modern tools to engage with and analyze historical data. This field is characterized by its interdisciplinary nature and its focus on process-oriented approaches that leverage digital technologies to offer fresh perspectives on historical issues. By exploring and incorporating new technological methods, digital historians can enhance their understanding and presentation of the past, making history more accessible and interactive. As technology continues to advance, the field of digital history will likely experience further growth, offering new opportunities for research and discovery.