Why I hate Wikipedia (and you should too!)

Summary

In this video, JJ critiques the current state of online information, particularly the dominance of Wikipedia and large tech companies. He argues that while Wikipedia has become the go-to source for information, its reliance on anonymous contributors and shallow coverage is problematic. JJ highlights the importance of supporting smaller, specialized educational websites and recommends alternatives like in-depth books, expert interviews, and reputable media outlets. He also urges viewers to consider the monopolistic consolidation of the internet, suggesting that true knowledge often requires more effort and discernment than what easy, convenient platforms offer.

Takeaways

• 😀 Wikipedia has become a dominant source of information across the internet, but its widespread influence can limit diversity and quality in online content.
• 😀 The speaker used to avoid Wikipedia but now acknowledges its unavoidable presence across tech platforms like search engines, voice assistants, and mainstream media.
• 😀 Many podcasts and content creators rely on Wikipedia for factual accuracy, which can lead to information being copied without critical analysis.
• 😀 Wikipedia's reliance on anonymous contributors and its 'neutral point of view' writing style often compromises the depth and clarity of the information presented.
• 😀 Despite its popularity, Wikipedia’s dominance often reduces engagement with more specialized, in-depth sources of knowledge.
• 😀 The speaker suggests that readers should explore high-quality non-fiction books, long-form obituary essays, and reputable online educational websites as alternatives to Wikipedia.
• 😀 Alternative educational websites created by small teams or independent authors can provide specialized, credible knowledge and allow for more transparency than Wikipedia.
• 😀 JJ believes that people should support smaller, more specialized educational websites rather than relying on the monopolistic nature of large platforms.
• 😀 The internet’s early promise of infinite, diverse knowledge has been reduced to a few dominant sites, leading to a sense of information 'consolidation.'
• 😀 JJ expresses concern over monopolistic consolidation on the internet and encourages critical evaluation of these platforms, particularly Wikipedia, which may pander to shallow desires for quick, easily accessible information.

Q & A

Why does the speaker recommend focusing on small, in-depth sources for research instead of relying on large platforms like Wikipedia?

The speaker suggests that smaller, in-depth resources, such as dedicated educational websites or long-form obituary essays, provide more reliable and specialized information compared to larger platforms like Wikipedia. These sources are often created by experts or individuals with specific knowledge, making them more credible than anonymous contributors on Wikipedia.

How does the speaker feel about Wikipedia as a biographical resource?

The speaker is critical of Wikipedia as a biographical resource, highlighting its reliance on anonymous and unaccountable writers. The speaker prefers sources that allow for more scrutiny and transparency, such as detailed obituaries in respected publications like The New York Times.

What is the speaker's stance on the monopolistic consolidation of information on the internet?

The speaker is critical of monopolistic consolidation on the internet, arguing that it leads to a focus on convenience and shallow content rather than quality. They emphasize the importance of supporting smaller, independent sites and businesses to foster diversity and quality in the information ecosystem.

What kind of websites does the speaker recommend for biographical research?

The speaker recommends biographical resources like long-form obituary essays in reputable publications such as The New York Times, as well as specialized websites that are often crafted by individuals or small teams with deep knowledge of particular subjects.

Why does the speaker suggest reading obituaries in publications like The New York Times?

The speaker suggests reading obituaries because they often contain the culmination of years of reporting and provide a thorough, well-researched biography of individuals. They believe that these obituaries are among the best biographical resources available on the internet.

How does the speaker compare small, specialized websites to larger, corporate platforms?

The speaker compares small, specialized websites to large corporate platforms by advocating for the former. They argue that these smaller sites often offer higher-quality, in-depth information that is written by experts, in contrast to the more generalized and surface-level content found on big platforms.

What is the speaker's opinion on the current state of the internet's information landscape?

The speaker feels that the internet has become dominated by a few giant platforms, which provide convenient but often shallow content. This trend has led to a reduction in diversity and quality, and the speaker stresses the importance of seeking out more specialized, informative sources.

What does the speaker suggest about the credibility of educational websites created by small teams or individuals?

The speaker suggests that educational websites created by small teams or individuals often provide high-quality, specialized knowledge. They argue that these sites tend to have transparent authorship, which allows users to assess the credibility of the content more easily.

Why does the speaker emphasize supporting smaller websites and businesses?

The speaker emphasizes supporting smaller websites and businesses because they contribute to the diversity of information available on the internet. By doing so, individuals can help counteract the monopolistic practices of large corporations, ensuring that quality and authenticity are not overshadowed by mass convenience.

What is the speaker's primary area of passion, and how does it relate to the recommendations made in the script?

The speaker's primary passion is social studies and civics, and they acknowledge that they may not be an authority on science or math resources. However, their interest in these fields likely influences their advocacy for well-researched, credible sources in the realm of history and biography, areas they are more familiar with.