As much as I like these graphics, I've got to ask: how do we measure these things? How do we decide what is or isn't relevant information? Sure, a page on 'aluminum foil beanies' and conspiracy theories might not be great for a factual paper on the history of NASA and the US Government, but it would be a great resource if I was writing a paper specifically about conspiracy theories. Every article posted online is tied to a purpose, and while those purposes might not always be 'to convey the truth of a situation' it is important to remember that much of the time the things people post online are directly related to their personal beliefs. How do we separate one from the other?
I love these images especially the second one because I cannot tell you how many times I have had debates with students about information they got off the internet. It is like the internet has some mighty see all and know all power that makes students believe that no matter what they read online, because the fact that it was published online then it must be true. This does however go with what Robert said about everything having a purpose, therefore, maybe some things are posted to purposefully make people question and think about what they are reading.
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As much as I like these graphics, I've got to ask: how do we measure these things? How do we decide what is or isn't relevant information? Sure, a page on 'aluminum foil beanies' and conspiracy theories might not be great for a factual paper on the history of NASA and the US Government, but it would be a great resource if I was writing a paper specifically about conspiracy theories. Every article posted online is tied to a purpose, and while those purposes might not always be 'to convey the truth of a situation' it is important to remember that much of the time the things people post online are directly related to their personal beliefs. How do we separate one from the other?
ReplyDeleteI love these images especially the second one because I cannot tell you how many times I have had debates with students about information they got off the internet. It is like the internet has some mighty see all and know all power that makes students believe that no matter what they read online, because the fact that it was published online then it must be true. This does however go with what Robert said about everything having a purpose, therefore, maybe some things are posted to purposefully make people question and think about what they are reading.
ReplyDelete