Why are some people so insistent that Wikipedia is inaccurate?

Question

I'm sure it isn't perfect, but I have found plenty of information there that can be back up by reliable sources. Can somebody give an example of bad information they found on Wikipedia?

I know you can change information on there, but they seem to do a pretty good job of checking the edits for reliability.

Yeah, maybe you could happen to get there right after somebody who didn't know anything added some ridiculous stuff and it's hasn't been screened yet.

I have only changed something on WIkipedia once. The section about Rosemary Kennedy (sister of JFK) seemed to suggest she couldn't have been mentally retarded if she was mentally ill. I work in mental health and I know that's not true, someone can have both mental retardation and mental illness. The passage I wrote is no longer there, but there is a new part where there is a pretty good argument that she probably had at least a low average IQ. Although they didn't keep my addition, I feel I like I had some effect in improving the accuracy of the entry on Rosemary Kennedy.

Answer 1

I totally agree. Those that believe that Wikipedia is a wrong site to look at sources are those that don't even bother looking at how Wikipedia works. Whats even worse, they will criticize the way it works and in some cases the haters say that it should be deleted. Sure, Wikipedia is not a perfect site, but the wrong parts of it are quickly edited and corrected.

However, it is advisable that one looks on two different sites so that they can judge right from wrong. They can't just be "spoon-fed" information - they must search for it.

Answer 2

purified water. the worst information i found on wikipedia. or maybe it was hell? -__-" i had to find info on it for a science fair project, but NONE of my damn teachers let me. so mean. some information is actually from reliable true sources too. D:

its just that people can EDIT any information on the page. i was on a naruto page once and i actually changed a section by typing, "hi"

Answer 3

Any source of suggestions may be faulty. A source of suggestions is credible on condition that it is been reviewed many circumstances by the wonderful form of people. you are able to assume that wikipedia articles are regularly impressive, by using fact nowhere else will articles be reviewed maximum of circumstances. in case you have doubts, you are able to consistently look throughout the time of the discussions tab of the object

Answer 4

Well at one point they stated that Win XP Home was incapable of networking, reference since updated, but it was there for at least 3 weeks. (And incidently was TOTALLY wrong)

I agree, there is a WEALTH of knowledge there, but you DO have be a little cautious to check some thigs out with other sources too.

Answer 5

Wiki can be inaccurate because the content can be changed by readers. Stephen Colbert is always making jokes about changing wiki to back up his point of views.

Answer 6

wikipedia really isnt a reliable source of info...ppl can go and change it or "updated"..... So I wouldn't use it to write a school paper.... I dont know i just wouldn't use it.

Answer 7

well wikipedia is the largest internet database for anything, and i dont see anything wrong with it

its when new information is out, wikipedia is trying/ or is the first to post it, but when people see it, they think its wrong and get really stupid

so i dont think nothing is wrong with it

Answer 8

What makes it inaccurate is the fact that I can register with them and edit anything I want.

Answer 9

oh every once in awhile u find one thats been hacked up by a biased user ... but im with u most of the time its a great site to use ..