week13—Understanding Wikipedia —HONG HAOTIAN

 This semester’s learning gave me a whole new understanding of Wikipedia. At first, I simply saw it as a convenient tool for looking up information and never really thought about how it actually worked. But as the course progressed, I began to realize that Wikipedia is more than just an “encyclopedia”—it’s a knowledge-building system powered by global collaboration and guided by strict rules. What surprised me most was learning that it’s not written by experts, but by anyone who is willing to contribute. This openness is effectively regulated through policies like requiring reliable sources and maintaining a neutral point of view. I also discovered the "Talk" pages behind each article, where contributors engage in detailed discussions about wording, terminology, and source credibility. It made me realize that knowledge isn’t just something we receive—it’s something that is actively created and refined by people working together. While Wikipedia has its flaws, such as slower updates for lesser-known topics or imbalances in sensitive areas, it still offers a reliable, timely, and clear source of information overall. This course didn’t just change how I view Wikipedia—it reshaped how I understand the concept of “knowledge” itself. It’s no longer just something taught and absorbed, but something we can all participate in creating and improving. In the future, I hope to contribute more actively to this open and collaborative knowledge space.

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