How much information on the Internet is reasonably accurate?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the accuracy of information available on the Internet, with participants expressing skepticism about the reliability of many sources. A significant viewpoint is that less than 5% of online content is reasonably accurate, citing the overwhelming presence of unreliable websites. The concept of accuracy is debated, particularly regarding personal blogs that reflect opinions, which may not be based on factual information. Concerns are raised about the quality of reporting from established news agencies, suggesting a decline in investigative journalism and an increase in superficial reporting. Participants emphasize the importance of evaluating sources based on credibility indicators, such as domain types (.edu, .org, .gov), author attribution, update history, and the presence of citations. There is a general consensus that information from .com websites is often viewed with skepticism.

How much information on the Internet is reasonably accurate?

  • <5%

    Votes: 4 30.8%
  • 5% to 10%

    Votes: 1 7.7%
  • 10% to 20%

    Votes: 2 15.4%
  • 20% to 30%

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • 30% to 50%

    Votes: 1 7.7%
  • 50% to 70%

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • 70% to 90%

    Votes: 1 7.7%
  • >90%

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • The percentage is indeterminable

    Votes: 4 30.8%

  • Total voters
    13
Loren Booda
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How much information on the Internet is reasonably accurate?
 
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Resonably?
 
"Reasonably" in a scientific, philosophical or legal sense. Use your own judgment.
 
I had to vote for less than 5% because of the sheer number of websites and places where people can post garbage on the internet. I would say the valid websites are scarce in comparison.
 
I voted that the percentage is indeterminable. I really have no idea, there's a lot of junk on the internet, and I certainly haven't explored it all and researched it all to find out how much is accurate. Plus, it depends on what you mean by accurate. Someone's blog site that just tells their thoughts in diary form is accurate in that it reflects their opinions, but their opinions may be based on inaccuracies, so I don't know how that gets scored. But there are days when I'm not even sure if the AP and Reuters news sites can be considered reasonably accurate. There seems to be growing laziness in reporting, with a real lack of good investigative reporting and first person accounting of events, so we just get the condensed version put out in the press release package.
 
If a source doesn't come from a website ending in a .edu, .org, .gov, or from a data base like lexus nexus etc. I usually take the information on the site with a grain of salt. I remember from my English college classes that there are standards that you should use when determining whether a website has credible information or not. The website should always list the author and when the last time it was updated. If any grammatical or spelling mistakes are made then the webpage should be disregarded immediately. Citations should also be made. I usually never look for information on .com websites.
 
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