Wikipedia

Definition

Wikipedia is a free, web-based encyclopedia that allows users to create, edit, and update articles collaboratively. It operates under a model of open participation, enabling anyone with internet access to contribute knowledge, share information, and enhance content, making it a prime example of participatory culture in the digital age.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Wikipedia was launched in 2001 and has grown to become one of the largest and most visited reference websites in the world.
2. The platform is available in multiple languages, with over six million articles in English alone, reflecting diverse global knowledge.
3. Wikipedia relies on a system of volunteer editors who enforce guidelines for verifiability and neutrality to ensure quality content.
4. It operates under a Creative Commons license, allowing anyone to reuse its content freely as long as proper attribution is given.
5. Despite its collaborative nature, Wikipedia faces challenges related to misinformation, bias, and the need for continuous monitoring by its community of editors.

Review Questions

• How does Wikipedia exemplify participatory culture and what role do contributors play in shaping its content?
  • Wikipedia exemplifies participatory culture by allowing individuals from all over the world to contribute their knowledge and expertise. Contributors play a vital role in shaping content by creating new articles, editing existing ones, and ensuring accuracy through collaborative review processes. This open model not only democratizes knowledge but also fosters a sense of community among users who collectively curate information.
• Discuss the impact of Wikipedia's open editing model on the reliability and credibility of information found on the platform.
  • Wikipedia's open editing model has both positive and negative impacts on its reliability and credibility. On one hand, the collaborative nature allows for rapid updates and corrections as diverse perspectives contribute to knowledge. On the other hand, this model can lead to issues like vandalism or biased information. To mitigate these risks, Wikipedia has established guidelines for contributors that promote neutrality and verification of sources.
• Evaluate how Wikipedia has influenced the way people access and engage with information in the digital age.
  • Wikipedia has significantly influenced how people access and engage with information by providing a vast repository of knowledge that is easily searchable and freely available. Its user-generated content model encourages active participation rather than passive consumption, fostering a culture where users feel empowered to contribute. Additionally, Wikipedia's role in democratizing information aligns with broader trends in the digital age where traditional gatekeepers are challenged by collective intelligence and shared resources.

Related terms

Crowdsourcing: The practice of obtaining ideas, services, or content from a large group of people, typically via the internet, which enables collaborative input and innovation.

User-Generated Content: Content that is created and published by users rather than by professional content creators, exemplified by platforms like Wikipedia where everyday users contribute knowledge.

Open Source: A philosophy that promotes free access to the design and production of software or content, allowing users to modify and share their contributions openly.