Wikipedia

Definition

Wikipedia is a free online encyclopedia that allows users to create, edit, and share articles on a wide range of topics. It is one of the most extensive examples of user-generated content, relying on contributions from volunteers around the world to expand and improve its content, while also emphasizing collaborative editing and the sharing of knowledge.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wikipedia was launched in January 2001 and has since grown to include millions of articles in multiple languages, making it one of the largest online reference sites.
2. The platform operates under a collaborative model, where anyone with internet access can edit most articles, which promotes a diverse range of perspectives but also raises concerns about accuracy and reliability.
3. Wikipedia is governed by a set of policies and guidelines, including neutrality, verifiability, and no original research, which help maintain the quality and trustworthiness of its content.
4. Content on Wikipedia is often cited in academic and professional contexts, but users are encouraged to critically evaluate the information found on the site due to potential biases or inaccuracies.
5. The Wikipedia community actively monitors edits through tools like 'Recent Changes' and 'Watchlists' to address vandalism and ensure that the information remains accurate and reliable.

Review Questions

• How does Wikipedia exemplify user-generated content and what are some benefits and challenges associated with this model?
  • Wikipedia exemplifies user-generated content as it relies on contributions from individuals around the globe to create and edit articles. This model allows for a vast amount of information to be available for free and encourages collaboration among diverse contributors. However, challenges include ensuring the accuracy of information, addressing potential biases in articles, and managing vandalism or misinformation that can arise from unrestricted editing.
• Evaluate the impact of Wikipedia's collaborative editing system on the quality and reliability of information presented on the platform.
  • Wikipedia's collaborative editing system can enhance the quality of information through collective oversight by numerous contributors who bring various expertise to the platform. This broad input can lead to more comprehensive coverage of topics. However, it also poses risks regarding reliability since anyone can edit entries; thus, misinformation can spread if not properly monitored. The effectiveness of community guidelines plays a crucial role in maintaining standards.
• Critically assess how Wikipedia's approach to knowledge sharing reflects broader trends in digital communication and information access in the 21st century.
  • Wikipedia's approach to knowledge sharing reflects significant trends in digital communication by promoting open access to information and facilitating user engagement in content creation. This mirrors a shift toward democratized knowledge production where traditional gatekeepers are bypassed. Furthermore, it highlights the tension between collaborative knowledge sharing and issues like misinformation and digital literacy. As more people rely on platforms like Wikipedia for information, understanding these dynamics becomes increasingly vital in navigating today's information landscape.

Related terms

Crowdsourcing: The practice of obtaining information or services by soliciting contributions from a large group of people, typically via the internet.

Open-source: A type of software or platform where the source code is made freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute.

User-generated content: Any form of content, such as text, videos, images, or reviews, that is created and published by users rather than by traditional media organizations.