The internet is now much more widely used than libraries and other sources of authentic information. The number of persons reading newspapers has declined and more news networks are establishing their online presence. When we want information, we simply type our queries into a search engine such as Google. But do we ever stop to question how authentic the information we are getting off the internet is?
We are given tips on how to determine whether or not information from certain websites should be trusted, how to spot spam and phishing, and how to evaluate our sources. But even websites with an established reputation of being reliable can publish misleading information. Take for example this incident (FBI arrests man in shares hoax) where the public was deceived by one young man who gave false information about a company. The consequences of the publishing of this one piece of misleading information was severe. A lot of money was lost. The young man was caught and arrested, but the effects of his actions still remain. The company that published the false information was one that was trusted by many. For six years, they published authentic information and so it was easy for their readers to be deceived. This incident tainted the credibility of the company.
This shows us that we have to really think twice about how credible information on the internet is. Hackers crack codes everyday and there is no telling which websites they will attack and what sort of information they will thwart. It is always good to double check whatever information we get online.
Vondasblog 
Vonda,
You made many great points in your blog entry this week. People have to be taught how to determine what information on the internet is reliable and what information is misleading or simply wrong. I believe there are various audiences that are particularly vulnerable to falling prey to unreliable information on the internet. Children and the elderly do not necessarily possess the skills or understanding of the internet that would help them differentiate between the true and false information on the internet. They are more likely to believe and act on any information they discover online. More time needs to be spent educating these individuals so that we can prevent them from falling prey to unreliable information on the internet.
Brianna you couldn’t have said it better! Thank you for your comment.
Interesting post Vonda!
The magnitude of the effect erroneous information will have on our lives depends on the extent to which we apply it and which aspect of our lives it affects.
Take online dating sites for example. People look to it for access to other people’s profiles and compatibility charts. Getting erroneous information will not have a great impact on the individual unless in rare occasion, say they meet serial killers.
Getting false information from health sites on the other hand, will have immediate impact on the individual.
Ultimately, we should monitor the sites we get information from and know whether or not we should apply the information to our lives.
Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Great comparison you made there Mbwidiffu. It really is important to scrutinize the sites we get information from.
you’re right, Vonda. Many prestigious newspaper now depends on online subscription to get some income since many people are no more interested in reading newspapers. The New York Times require that one subscribe with money or become a member before he or she can have access to all the information they provide.
Companies have a team of editors who verify and correct any information before it is published. Therefore, the chances of making a grave mistake are very slim except that they wish to do it deliberately.
It has been noted that many magazines in the US put out false information especially about celebrities just for the sake of attracting attention and selling their magazines. There are a lot of false information out there. Therefore, we need to beware.
Bernard, I was always fascinated by how far the press would go to make money. As you pointed out, they falsify so much information about celebrities. I don’t know how the celebrities deal with it. I know I wouldn’t be able to!