On Credibility…

I read an article about the criteria used to determine the credibility of websites. Three of the things I learned shocked me to my core. These three tidbits of knowledge dredged me from the slough of my ignorance, and enlightened my mind.

The first thing stunned me: websites on the internet are not always accurate. My parents constantly told me, in my formative years, “If it’s on the internet, it must be true.” This is, however, not the case — in fact, many are biased and malevolent.

In order to avoid misinformation, one must examine the site thoroughly. One must take note where the site comes from. If it is from a reliable source, such as a non-profit organization, one is likely safe in repeating its information.

The second thing I learned is that an old website can contain outdated information! Before reading this article, I thought that the principle of “Outdated = Potentially bad” only applied to yogurt and vaccines! Amazingly, this principle also applies to written sources of information.

The third, and final revelation given me by the article was this: Much scholarly research is available only in the printed form. This truly shook the core of my faith in the Great Internet. When one researches complex topics, and reaches into the depths of cyberspace — we can find nothing.

This is vital information. I was brainwashed, a loyal acolyte to a false god, whose promises of omniscience were but lies. More people need to read the article “Criteria to Evaluate the Credibility of WWW Resources”.