Relying on crowdsourced platforms like Find A Grave for historical accuracy may present several challenges. One major issue is the potential for errors in data entry or interpretation when volunteers upload information about gravestones. Mistakes could range from incorrect dates of birth or death to misspelled names or inaccurate locations within cemeteries.
Furthermore, there is a risk of incomplete or inconsistent documentation across different graveyards and regions due to variations in volunteer participation levels and expertise. Without standardized protocols for verifying information uploaded to these platforms, discrepancies in data quality could arise, leading to inaccuracies in historical records.
Another challenge is ensuring the reliability of user-generated content on crowdsourced platforms. While many volunteers may act with good intentions, there is always a possibility of intentional misinformation being introduced into databases either maliciously or inadvertently.