- How can the reliability of an internet-based source of information be assessed?
Today, there have been many sources available over Internet, from which we can get information. They can even provide us with the necessary facts and figures. But, it becomes difficult for us to check for the reliability issue concerned with the given information. In addition, we are not even aware of the authoritative sources that have put this information on the internet. Hence, it becomes a necessity to check the reliability of an internet-based source of information. First of all, it is important for the government and the institutional authorities to organize a committee that will be dealing with the reliability issues. This committee shall then perform the necessary reliability check of an internet-based source by identifying the sources, the references and the time in which this information was established. If there are any flaws found, it will immediately provide a comment to the general people regarding non-reliability of such internet-based source of information.
- Does the fact that a particular source is widely used and highly popular mean that it should be more acceptable in determining matter of fact?
I do not think so that a particular source that is widely used and highly popular would imply that it is more acceptable. One should never rely upon such facts and events. Instead they should go for the reliability and authoritative check for such sources of information. Of course, it might have become a habit for us to view only those sources of information that are widely accepted and highly popular. But, we now need to change our views, and try to rely upon government-based, institutional-based, and authenticity-based sources of information.
- Regarding the Wikipedia disclaimer in the article, what does it reveal about the nature of information on this site?
Wikipedia provides information after a long process of discussion, argument, and debate. Several articles reach a neutral conclusion through consensus. Such sources of information might be debatable in nature. In addition, the writers are neither trained for writing such information nor have enough understanding to comment on any issue. However, it does put all the efforts in providing all the information related to the given topic. But, it is always true and one can even use it for legal purpose can be questionable. There is a need for cross-examining the facts and information presented on this site (Giles, 2005). Due to lack of authentication and reliability, we are not sure whether the information provided is correct or not. The readily-availability of such information makes the task easy for people (Wood & Struthers, 2010). And, so does the disclaimer mentions about the challenges that could arise from such information. It can impact our lives, and hence it is important to check for the reliability of such information.
References
Giles, J. (2005). Internet encyclopedias go head to head. Nature, 438(7070), 900-901.
Wood, A., and Struthers, K. (2010). Pathology education, Wikipedia and the Net generation. Medical teacher, 32(7), 618.
