Is the content available on Wikipedia a reliable source for information?

Topic:
Technology Debates

19 Contributors
in this discussion.

Yes
68% of users

  • I believe that, for the most part, Wikipedia has evolved into a reliable source for information.

    Perhaps, in the beginning, it wasn't nearly as reliable. But, today, Wikipedia is generally a good source of reliable information on the Internet. As a user-generated, evolving form of information, Wikipedia becomes more and more accurate every day, and the prejudice against it for providing misleading information becomes less valid.

    Yes BrownDustin82

  • Wikipedia has many checks for data accuracy and, for the most part, should be trusted.

    Wikipedia is an online encyclopedia where entries are written by the users of the site. Even though people can be mistaken in their facts, whether on purpose or accident, Wikipedia has set up measures to ensure the most accurate information. Users are allowed to question articles and questionable articles have alerts posted at the top of the page. Therefore, although Wikipedia articles may not all be completely true, for the most part, the information is accurate.

    Yes SpikyWesley

  • Wikipedia is a reliable source of information; articles are written and edited by experts.

    Wikipedia is not perfect, since corporate propaganda and misinformation is deliberately put into pages at times. However, the review system in place usually means that these isolated incidents are caught and corrected. With older encyclopedias, information could quickly become out of date, and many relevant topics might never even be covered. With Wikipedia, anyone can submit an article, which means that in niche or obscure topics, an expert on that subject matter can actually provide their insight and knowledge. The ability for it to grow and stay current is essential in the modern communication age.

    Yes FlakyHerb64

  • It's a conspiracy about Wikipedia

    I have never seen an error on Wikipedia

    Yes Anonymous

  • Wikipedia information is reliable.

    The information found on Wikipedia is reliable and up to date. The Wikipedia is updating all the time and they are up to the minute on what is on there. The site is user based and users have the ability to make changes to unreliable information that is posted on there.

    Yes WillowsErv

  • Content of Wikipedia is often a reliable source for information, due to its credible citations.

    Using Wikipedia is often a good source for obtaining reliable information, assuming that you ensure that proper citations have been given to the information. Since Wikipedia is publicly edited, it sometimes can lead to misinformation. However, most times you are able to find citations to credible sources within the Wikipedia article. Therefore, it is my opinion that Wikipedia is often a reliable source to find information.

    Yes 5h4rdWorth

  • Yes, since a lot of the information on Wikipedia is referenced, I do believe the site is a reliable information source.

    I use Wikipedia a lot for research and personal reasons. I have found that the majority of information on Wikipedia is quite accurate. There have been a few instances where I have seen information that was different from other sources, but people do make mistakes. If any information is placed on Wikipedia that has not been verified they let you know that no sources have been cited. That, in itself, shows that Wikipedia is a reliable site.

    Yes StevyDemon

  • Yes, the content available on Wikipedia is reliable because there are moderators who ensure that all information on Wikipedia is accurate.

    Wikipedia is a free online encyclopedia. Even though there are thousands of articles available, each and every article is moderated to ensure that there is a certain amount of accuracy in the article. So it's a great reliable source of information.

    Yes TigerDeII

  • Wikipedia is a reliable source for information as statistics have recently shown that most errors are remove quickly enough that most readers won't even see the error.

    As of 2010, professionals from all fields have stated that Wikipedia is a great starting point for researching a specific topic. It is subject, however, to errors the same as any other general reference compilation. Statistics have shown, though, that most postings containing errors are removed so quickly that most people will not even see them. Most professionals have remarked on the amazing ability of Wikipedia to be "governed" by the public and to still be as accurate as it is. As with any research, one should always use multiple points of reference, not just one.

    Yes BrianDj

  • I believe you should; generally, the information is correct.

    A lot of references are provided for cross-proofing.

    Yes poohbear

  • Wikipedia is monitored for the accuracy of its information so that you can believe it.

    It's is many peoples jobs to patrol Wikipedia and ensure that all the information posted is relative and accurate. Because many hundred people use the site and update the information, it is unlikely that they would leave incorrect information there. Also, no one information site should ever be used as your sole source of information.

    Yes FithBoosh

  • You can believe what you read on Wikipedia, but only if it references primary sources, preferably post-graduate level sources.

    I would not trust Wikipedia on whether or not a certain celebrity is dead/married/gay, but I'm more likely to trust it on literature interpretations, artistic concepts, tourism info, or basic historical facts. But even then, I would only whole-heartedly recommend the article as a credible source if it references primary sources, preferably those of post-graduate level if concerning academic projects.

    Yes R053Neddy

  • Yes, Wikipedia is a great source of information.

    Wikipedia is a useful tool for research. Yes, the information is provided by users, but since many people use the material, it is often confirmed by many people. One should always take it with a grain of salt and should use other sources to confirm the information. Wikipedia is like anything; it should be used wisely. I have used it for a number of years and have been able to confirm the data independently.

    Yes R43Shep
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No
32% of users

  • I don't think Wikipedia is a very reliable source, because people can essentially put whatever they want on there, and they might not know enough about the topic when they do it.

    People can edit Wikipedia articles and basically write whatever they want. A lot of the articles don't list sources of information, so there is no way to check its accuracy. Whoever posted the article or edited it might not have had their facts straight.

    No darcyska

  • No, the content available on Wikipedia is not a reliable source for information because anyone can enter and submit information without verification.

    No, the content available on Wikipedia is not a reliable source for information because for one, different information can be submitted and entered by just about anyone without the proof or verification that this information is actually true. This leads to differing points of views and is very subjective in my opinion.

    No MycCra2ii

  • Wikipedia is open for changing

    This means that any random hobo with a computer can change stuff from Wikipedia. Wikipedia has moderators, but all they do is make sure the person doesn't type joke material on Wiki. They are mostly the "football dads" and "soccer moms" that could be easily fooled by a few big words. It's sad that so many times, search results from google have Wiki listed 1st.

    No Anonymous

  • Wikipedia isn't a valid source.

    Most people that use Wikipedia all the time will - about 95% - tell you that it is 99% accurate. When in fact anyone can change it, and it takes a long time for them to catch that mistake. I believe it's a good starting place for opinions to build and to find your question that you can put into a search engine to find real valid information.

    No Anonymous

  • I do not believe, because the articles which are published in Wikipedia is of the opinion of authors, not scientifically proven.

    Though Wikipedia is considered the best to search for articles of every kind, the authenticity of the subject is not 100% correct, because the views of different authors are different in some way or other. The findings of their survey regarding many subjects may be different unless it is scientifically proven. A unanimous view is almost impossible. Therefore, we have to rely on their views, which are not completely accurate in most cases.

    No BurnaCute

  • No I don't believe you should always believe what you read on Wikipedia.

    Wikipedia can be a great source of information, but it should never be someone's only source of information for important topics. While it is usually right about most things, the truth is that anyone has the ability to edit it and not all of the facts that are added may be correct.

    No emililuyx2
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