week 2--What makes information reliable? --WU WENHAO

 

WU WENHAO,2021080464 LATE POSTING - ADDED

Summary

 In the digital age, understanding when information is reliable is a key part of digital literacy. Wikipedia’s page on “Reliable Sources” points out that trustworthy information typically comes from sources with editorial standards, professional review processes, and qualified authors. These standards apply not only to academic writing but also to everyday information evaluation. For instance, academic journals, mainstream news outlets, and publications from government or educational institutions are usually considered more credible. On the other hand, sources lacking editorial oversight, self-published content (like blogs or forums), or anonymous authors should be treated with caution. In short, a reliable source should be independent, reputable, and provide verifiable evidence for its claims.

Interesting Discovery
  I used to think Wikipedia itself wasn’t very reliable, but I learned that it actually has very strict standards for what counts as a “reliable source.” Wikipedia requires that content be based on trustworthy, verifiable third-party sources rather than original research or personal opinions. For example, on high-stakes topics like medicine or history, Wikipedia prefers peer-reviewed academic papers over news articles. This made me realize that even an open-edit platform can improve its overall reliability by enforcing clear citation rules.

Discussion Questions
  We can discuss: How can we quickly judge the reliability of a source in our daily lives and studies? In the age of AI, could algorithms and personalized recommendations limit us to only encountering information that aligns with our own views, thereby weakening our ability to think critically?

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