Many people use wikipedia as a first stop when they want to learn about a word, event or concept.  I use it for word definitions, plant and bird identification, and description of historical events.

But how unbiased is this free, online encyclopedia?   Recently, a new website has appeared called WikiScanner.  This website takes the editor information on wikipedia and makes it easier for readers to view the origin of the edits or a wikipedia entry.

What was discovered is corporations making changes to entries to better suit their purposes.  Luckily, wikipedia, has a network of editors and administrators who review changes and remove biased changes to the entries.

  • PepsiCo changing wording about health hazards associated with their products.
  • Exxon changing the Valdez spill information to represent less impact on the environment.
  • Walmart changing remarks about their employee compensation.
  • Diebold, manufacturer of the electronic voting machine, deleted negative comment.

To clarify, wikipedia entries can be written by anyone.  This means that a person with limited factual information could write it.  Another person can make edits to the enty at any time.  An administrator or wikipedia editor has the right to make and/or revoke changes.

Because everyone can make edits, wikipedia has very detailed entries.  But if you are using it for research, it makes sense to double-check your facts.

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