The use of digital technology in traditional museums and heritage sites has changed the way people experience and understand culture over the past decade ^[1]. Some scholars asserted that digital technologies could facilitate more individuals’ engagement with cultural heritage ^[2,3]. However, others expressed concern that digital heritage could misrepresent and distort the truth of real heritage ^[1,4]. This essay uses three case studies to discuss how digital technologies can both help and undermine the participation of locals and tourists in learning about cultural heritage.