Wikipedia

Information Literacy

Nouf Sami
 Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia, is a widely used but contentious source of
information. Its reliability is a matter of debate, and whether you should consider it
reliable depends on various factors.

Wikipedia is a valuable starting point for research due to its vast coverage, and the ease
with which it provides an overview of topics. However, it is not considered a reliable
primary source. The main reason for this is Wikipedia's open-editing model. Anyone can
edit their articles, which can introduce errors, bias, or even vandalism. The fluidity of
information is another concern. Wikipedia articles are continually evolving, with
information being added, removed, or altered frequently. This means that the content
you read one day might be different the next, making it challenging to rely on for stable
reference. Citations needed to support Wikipedia articles. Ideally, they should come
from reliable sources. While many articles are well-referenced, some may lack proper
citations or rely on sources that are themselves not reliable. Lastly, Wikipedia content is
not peer reviewed. It does not undergo the same rigorous peer-review process as
scholarly publications undergo. Scholarly journals and academic books typically involve
experts in the field scrutinizing the work before publication. Therefore, relying merely on
Wikipedia for critical academic or professional research is generally discouraged.

While Wikipedia has its merits, it should be used cautiously and primarily as a starting
point to get familiar with a subject. For accurate and credible information, it's essential to
consult primary sources, scholarly publications, and expert-reviewed materials, ensuring
the reliability and integrity of your research or academic work.