A hard lesson in Internet values, and the Internet's value

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The answer is not simple and depends on multiple variables ...

If we take all of the information available to us on the internet, and use it wisely (look at multiple resonses to our query, check out validity of those responses, and compare them to at least a few other)then the contention of ideas the Internet represents lead us to one authoritative set of facts.

However, if we either

a) look up one result with out verifying its validity, and take it for gospel,

or

b) do all the research, but follow our opinion instead of the facts,

Then the Internet becomes a haven for Mis-Information ..

Let me explain that last sentence ... The Internet is undeniably a haven for misinformation, mainly because too many things are posted using opinion instead of fact, having no verifiable source of information or proof - we need to trudge through the mounds of misinformation in order to "extract the facts" - which in my opinion is a better way to describe doing research on the internet - you can spend hours looking up misinformation, or hours extracing the facts - there is an important difference.

If one person states his opinion on a subject, and another agrees to it, it is well on it's way to becoming what I call "Internet Fact" - which does not mean it is actual fact - actual fact has to come with proof - too many people are looking for the quick truth in 1/2 an hour of internet research, instead of the actual truth in 2 hours of extracting the facts - the accurate information is there, it's up the the individual to ensure the information they are reading is correct.

I think Wikipedia is a great site for information, however it's just a starting point, and without verifiable sources should never be trusted.

Ludovit

Posted by: Ludovit   Posted on: 06/06/08  (Edited: 06/06/2008 @ 08:02) You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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