Historical Science in the Era of Digital Transformation: Analysis of the Current State, Challenges and Future Directions

Abstract

This article examines various approaches to the use of computer technologies in historical science and the relationship between the concepts of «historical informatics» and «digital history». The development of computer technology application from the late 1960s to the present is analyzed. The current state of historical science in the context of societal digitization is considered, along with the problems faced by scientific historical communities, and directions for development are determined based on accumulated experience. Perspectives and challenges of historical science development in the context of societal digitization and the use of artificial intelligence are discussed. Based on research, it is concluded that the application of information and communication technologies in historical research becomes an integral part of the methodological toolkit. Significant changes occur in the scientific environment and infrastructure of historical science during the era of digital transformation, revealing new features of historical functioning. Proficiency in digital skills becomes a necessity for historians, especially considering the integration of artificial intelligence and various tools such as ChatGPT and neural networks in the humanities. Digital history, in the context of the digital era, characterizes the peculiarities of the scientific environment and infrastructure. Historical informatics and quantitative methods in historical research develop in parallel, complementing each other, particularly in the field of information and communication technologies in historical education and science. The digital transformation defines the future of historical science, opening possibilities for deeper scientific understanding of the past and the creation of new methods and approaches to historical research.