Wikipedia, an online information database, has become one of the quickest and easiest ways to gather information. But some Fairfield students and faculty are questioning the validity of its information and sources.
“I never use Wikipedia,” said Liz Thompson ’09. “The info is debatable, and it’s just not worth using.”
Katie Mainiero ’10 recently searched the Web for biology information. She noticed that Wikipedia’s information conflicted with her textbook.
“And I’m pretty sure the textbook was not wrong,” she said.
Many other Fairfield students question the Web site’s credibility.
Kaitlin Buckneit ’09 heard, “it wasn’t legit” and has only used it once or twice.
The negative sentiment regarding Wikipedia hinges on the fact that the information can be posted and edited by anyone.
Phil Spada ’10 does not trust the site at all for that very reason.
“It’s not good because some random person can just put on whatever (he or she) wants to. It’s just not reliable,” he said.
The most prominent blunder in Wikipedia history involved John Seigenthaler, a long-time assistant to the Kennedy administration.
According a USA Today article, Wikipedia falsely posted that Seigenthaler was involved in the assassinations of John and Bobby Kennedy.
Seigenthaler complained to the Web site andådemanded to know the author of the erroneous information. Although he was unable to locate the source, the article was fixed.
Fairfield professors are also concerned about student reliance on Wikipedia information.
Journalism professor James Simon said, “I have my doubts about the Web site, but I believe it can be a good starting point.”
Simon used the Web site to obtain background information on Bill O’Reilly before O’Reilly spoke on campus in September.
Eric Mielants, assistant professor of sociology, shares Simon’s view.
“It depends on the article,” he said. “Some have mistakes and [students] have to be cautious. [Students] can use it to orient themselves with information but should always compare the information they gather to information from other sources.”
Some students, such as Augusta Mellon ’09, use it constantly.
“I use it all the time, but just take it with a grain of salt since there is a chance it could be wrong,” she said.
Chris Anastasi ’07, who uses the site with discretion, agreed.
“I use it once in a while but always check [who] the information is attributed to.”
Thompson however, feels that Fairfield’s DiMenna-Nyselius Library has all the resources students need to complete research and other homework.
“The University offers so many good databases that it’s often not necessary to use Wikipedia,” she said.
Hilary Martin ’09 sees nothing wrong with using the Web site.
“Wikipedia rocks my socks,” she said. “I use it all the time.”
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