Wikipedia is currently the most popular online encyclopedia globally while at the same time it is one of the most searched internet sites. Students use Wikipedia extensively, especially when they are doing their academic works that require research (Koistinen, 2013). At the same time, researchers rely on Wikipedia to gather information about their topics or subject under study. Nonetheless, many institutions of higher learning discourage students from using Wikipedia for academic purpose. Statements such as “Never Cite Wikipedia” are common in many academic assignments. However, some people still argue that Wikipedia can be used for academic purpose because it contains accurate and useful information for students. Even though Wikipedia provides useful background information for students, it cannot be relied on as an academic source of information because it often contains biased and inaccurate information.
One of the main reasons why Wikipedia should not be considered an academic source is because it contains a lot of errors, especially in technical or complex concepts or topics. According to the analysis that was conducted by Helsingin Sanomat newspaper that involved 96 experts, a significant number of Wikipedia articles that contained a lot of errors were about complicated phenomena like debt crisis and evolution (Koistinen, 2013). Besides, abstract phenomena such as Syria civil were found to have a lot of errors. Unfortunately, a lot of academic works are complicated and complex, which means that they require a high level of accuracy. The analysis by Helsingin Sanomat newspaper confirms that Wikipedia can best be used to get information about simple phenomena that do not require a lot of research or technical information.
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Besides, objectivity is highly valued in any academic research or assignment. According to Moran (2011), Wikipedia administrators have the power and authority to delete any article or point of views that they do not agree with. For instance, Moran (2011) gave an example of William Connolley who took advantage of his authority as Wikipedia administrator to ban about 2,000 contributors who were not supporting various concepts of climate change as well as global warming. This is an indication that only articles that favor Wikipedia administrators are published in the site. As a result, a lot of information in Wikipedia is biased and cannot be relied on for academic work, which requires a high level of objectivity. Also, Wikipedia is continually being revised or edited by people who sometimes lack in-depth knowledge on the topic or concepts. Consequently, Wikipedia is too unstable to cite, as information keeps on changing.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that Wikipedia provides a useful background information for researchers and students. Wikipedia always gives academic researchers and students a head start for getting detailed information on various topics and phenomena (Coomer, 2013). For instance, a researcher can get quick information about recent events and publications on Wikipedia. Nonetheless, it is essential to verify the information before using it in academic work, mainly due to the high level of inaccuracy that is linked to Wikipedia articles.
In conclusion, Wikipedia remains to be one of the most popular online encyclopedias that are relied upon by researchers and students. Nevertheless, students should only use Wikipedia to get background information on various concepts and phenomena but not to use it as an academic source. Wikipedia is full of errors and information contained in it is subjective, making it unreliable. Overreliance on Wikipedia can lead to poor academic work.
References
Coomer, A. (2013, May 13). Should university students use Wikipedia? The Guardian . Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/may/13/should-university-students-use-wikipedia
Koistinen, O. (2013, December 5). World’s largest study on Wikipedia: Better than its reputation . Helsinki Times . Retrieved from http://www.helsinkitimes.fi/finland/finland- news/domestic/8619-world-s-largest-study-on-Wikipedia-better-than-it-s-reputation.html
Moran, M. (2011). The Top 10 Reasons Students Cannot Cite or Rely On Wikipedia . Retrieved from http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/education/2010/march/The-Top-10-Reasons-Students-Cannot-Cite-or-Rely-on-Wikipedia.html
