WEEK9: NGUYEN DUC DUY - Wikipedia: Between Knowledge and Problems

The readings talk about two main sides of Wikipedia: its weaknesses and its role in culture. The first reading, about the “List of hoaxes on Wikipedia,” shows that even though Wikipedia tries to give correct and reliable information, it can still be changed by false or fake articles. Some of these hoaxes are removed very quickly, but some can stay online for a long time before people notice them. This shows that the system is not perfect.The second reading, “Wikipedia in culture,” explains how Wikipedia is not only a website for information, but also something that appears in everyday culture. It is often mentioned in media, jokes, and public discussions. It also shows how people interact with information online and how knowledge can be shaped by society.One interesting thing I learned is that some hoaxes on Wikipedia are very realistic. They are written in a serious way, with fake references and a style that looks like real articles. Because of this, it is not always easy to know they are false. Another interesting idea is “wikiality,” which means that sometimes people’s opinions can affect what others think is true online. This shows that Wikipedia is not only about facts, but also about how people create and share knowledge together.

A big question for me is whether Wikipedia’s open editing system is good or risky overall. It is good because anyone can add information quickly and help improve articles. But at the same time, it also allows false information to appear. I wonder if there is a way to make Wikipedia more safe without stopping people from editing freely. Finding the right balance between openness and accuracy seems very important, but also very difficult.