Usage of Wiki content (Is it trustworthy, reliable & how does it compare to other sources) - Essay Example

Usage of Wiki Content Usage of Wiki Content Gone are the days when internet was just used to read and viewdata; the incremental technological development in the domain of the World Wide Web has enabled web users to contribute information and provide feedback on different platforms. The static pages on the net have been converted to dynamic ones due to the introduction of interactivity. Wiki is one of the prominent platforms in the domain of information sharing. It serves as the encyclopedia of the modern age since it provides information about almost anything in the world in multiple languages.

Jonathan (2004) defined it as a collaborative platform where users can share their knowledge and research findings for free and get global viewership for their writing. However, this innovative idea does not come without any pitfalls that question the authenticity of the content on wiki. One of the most prevalent concerns about the content on wiki is the authenticity of the information since any web user has the authority to modify the information. Thus, its advantage becomes its drawback! Charles and Ranmi (2007) also agreed that the content on wiki can be changed by any random web user according to his intellect or as an outcome of malicious intent; in both cases the information can prove to be misleading and inaccurate.

There is no commendable approach or strategy being followed by the management of the wiki to judge the credibility of their contributors. Wikimedia Foundation Inc. (n.d.) includes the frequently asked questions where they admit (at numerous places) to leaving the validity of the information into the hands of the web users. This is a surprising act of trust since the World Wide Web consists of genuine information hunters, as well as malicious intent users who enjoy causing harm to others. Charles and Ranmi (2007) also pointed out that sometimes useful information is replaced with garbage that misleads the user to a great extent.

There exists no central authority to monitor the authenticity of the information which makes it a less reliable source to base one’s information findings. Published encyclopedias and newspaper articles are more reliable than the wiki content since it is made available to the public after being reviewed by hired employees at their respective organizations. The hired resources at such organizations are accountable for all their actions and contributions. Alongside the numerous loopholes and disadvantages of wiki content, the references and links at the bottom of every article are helpful since they provide links to real and reliable sources.

The content on wiki also proves to be helpful to establish basic concepts regarding anything in the world. Therefore, it can be concluded that wiki can only serve to develop elementary concepts regarding any aspect; however the data should not be entirely trusted. The concepts should be confirmed from more reliable sources before being referenced in any work or research. The wiki management should formulate effective strategies to improve the credibility and authenticity of the information, alongside accountability of the writers or web users who contribute false information or modify accurate information on the respective platform.

References Charles, R., Ranmi, A., (2007), Wild, Wild Wikis: A way forward, Proceedings of C52007, pp 31-35. Jonathan, D. (2004), Wiki Brainstorming and Problems with Wiki Based Collaboration, University of York. Wikimedia Foundation Inc., (n.d.) Wikipedia:FAQ/Overview, Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:FAQ/Overview