reliabilities of wikipedia

The reliability of Wikipedia articles can be measured by the following criteria:

• Accuracy of information provided within articles
• Appropriateness of the images provided with the article
• Appropriateness of the style and focus of the articles
• Susceptibility to, and exclusion and removal of, false information
• Comprehensiveness, scope and coverage within articles and in the range of articles
• Identification of reputable third-party sources as citations
• Stability of the articles
• Susceptibility to editorial and systemic bias
• Quality of writing

The first four of these have been the subjects of various studies of the project, while the presence of bias is strongly disputed on both sides, and the prevalence and quality of citations can be tested within Wikipedia.

Comparative studies

On October 24, 2005, British newspaper The Guardian published a story titled "Can you trust Wikipedia?" in which a panel of experts was asked to review seven entries related to their fields, giving each article reviewed a number designation out of ten points. Scores ranged from 0 to 8, but most received marks between 5 and 8. The most common criticisms were:

1. Poor prose, or ease-of-reading issues (3 mentions)
2. Omissions or inaccuracies, often small but including key omissions in some articles (3 mentions)
3. Poor balance, with less important areas being given more attention and vice versa (1 mention)

The most common praises were:

1. Factually sound and correct, no glaring inaccuracies (4 mentions)
2. Much useful information, including well selected links, making it possible to "access much information quickly" (3 mentions)

The main negative impact of wikipedia on society is that:

• Anyone could edit the information, so it might not be 100% right all the time.
• People rely on sites such these so they don't bother with actualy learning anything.

The main positive impacts of wikipedia on society is that:

• It gives you information about anything in a matter of minutes. 
• Easy to find
• It's free

Impact of internet on society

The Impact of Internet on society

• No-one owns the Internet so anybody can post anything on it. 
• The Internet is a great source of information but it has also become the home of political propaganda, racism, pornography and other controversial or illegal material. 
• Apart from physically restricting access the only control is through some form of filtering software. 
• Increasingly individuals and authorities are recommending some sort of control. 

Arguments for control

• To prevent illegal material being readily available, e.g. political propaganda, racism and pornography. 
• To prevent young children accessing unsuitable material. 
• To make the Web more efficient - at present there is too much useless information. 
• To ensure copyright laws are maintained. 

Arguments against control

• The aim of the Internet is to be a free source of information. 
• Unsuitable material is easily available in other ways. 
• Control would cost money and users would have to pay. 
• Control would be very difficult to enforce.

Internet crime

New technology brings with it new crimes and as a result some governments are setting up special units to deal with Internet crime. Concerns surround:

• The interception of credit card details and transactions online. 
• Hacking into personal, private files with criminal intent. 
• Fraudulent web sites taking credit card details from customers. 
• The spreading of viruses thorugh the Internet. 

The main negative impacts of internet on society are:

• Young people could misuse the internet by going on adult sites etc...
• People could get bullied and it could end in something serious.

The main positive impacts of internet on society are:

• For you could use the internet for so many things such as:
• For getting informatiom,
• For talking to the people you know from all over the world
• For watching videos
• For listening to music
• For online banking
• For online shopping
• For sending emails
• For sharing information
• For social sites
• For sharing your ideas

          There's so much you can do on the internet that you can never list them all so above i have only listed
          a few of the positive thing you can do on the internet.

Impact of instant messenger programs on society

Although several years old, Instant Messaging (IM) remains fairly new to many student affairs professionals. Its implications in the workplace, for the supervision of employees, and communication with students have begun to emerge from experience and research. Policy recommendations based on the security, social, and productivity issues raised by IM use are included to help student affairs professionals safely and securely embrace this technology.

Instant Messaging (IM) has become firmly entrenched in the social lives of teenagers and computer enthusiasts. They have brought IM into higher education and the American workplace. They use it to enhance both their social lives and their productivity at work. Student affairs professionals must understand the impact this technology is having on not only their students but also their employees.

Positive impacts of (IM):

• Quick and istant
• Helps to keep in touch with friends and family

Negative impacts of (IM):

• Waste of time
• Affects your spelling

Impact of Social networking websites on society

Web-based social networking services make it possible to connect people who share interests and activities across political, economic, and geographic borders. Through e-mail and instant messaging, online communities are created where a gift economy and reciprocal altruism are encouraged through cooperation. Information is particularly suited to gift economy, as information is a nonrival good and can be gifted at practically no cost.

Facebook and other social networking tools are increasingly the object of scholarly research. Scholars in many fields have begun to investigate the impact of social-networking sites, investigating how such sites may play into issues of identity, privacy, social capital, youth culture, and education.

Several websites are beginning to tap into the power of the social networking model for philanthropy. Such models provide a means for connecting otherwise fragmented industries and small organizations without the resources to reach a broader audience with interested users. Social networks are providing a different way for individuals to communicate digitally. These communities of hypertexts allow for the sharing of information and ideas, an old concept placed in a digital environment.

In 2011, HCL Technologies conducted research that showed that 50% of British employers had banned the use of social networking sites/services during office hours.

The main negative impacts of social network websites on society are:

• You could get distracted by it if you'r in school or at work.
• waste of time.
• You could get bullied.
• Your personal information could be displayed to others if the sites aren't safe.

The main positive impacts of social network websites on websites are:

• You can communicate to people instantly.
• You can share ideas.
• Get information. 

impact of mp3 players on society

We no longer drive long distances to purchase music. The availability of music comes at the push of a button on our personal computer. We can hear music anywhere we want.

Cultural Behaviors

• MP3 player users immediately transition into their own world as soon as they press play. Because users can select a specific music with a click of the dial, the MP3 player's interface allows people to rapidly build their own soundtrack to their life.

Positive Effects

• MP3 listeners control their own environment without intrusions from television and print advertisements, giving them the ability to express individuality.
• This technology also enables users to share files with their friends, creating a sense of community.

Negative Effects

• Communication has diminished within the public sphere because of MP3 players. Individuals isolate themselves. Users also illegally download songs. However, most people do not regard it as a crime, considering the easy access to MP3 files on various websites.

Marketing

• People listen to the radio less. Record labels have lost their footing in the music business. According to two music executives, David Kusek and Greg Leonhard, Internet radio and podcasting have replaced the DJ and the radio.

Conclusion

• The MP3 industry's success depends upon the choice of the consumer, whether this choice results in positive or negative consequences for other markets.

Impact of netbook computers on society

Netbook computers, the inexpensive, lightweight computers that are becoming so popular with the young because they come in so many colors and styles are also a great choice for the elderly. This is because they are so light and can go so long without needing to be plugged in.

The reason lightness is important for the elderly is because of the portability it allows. Many elderly people resent having to be stuck at a desk when using the computer, because it rather tethers them to one spot, when they’d more often prefer to sit somewhere more comfortable while using the computer for browsing the web or sending email to people. Because netbooks are so light, it’s easy and comfortable to put them on the lap while sitting in a barcalounger for example, or while sitting up in bed, they can simply rest it on their belly, or put it on a bed table if they prefer. In this way they can be in a place that is not only more comfortable, but less isolating.

Also, for those elderly that live in a facility of some sort where they may not have a desk to sit at, a netbook is clearly a great choice because it allows them to use their computer anywhere, so long as there is a wireless connection for them to use. The fact that netbooks last so long, up to six hours in some cases, makes them even more valuable for this particular group of elderly people because there may not be a place to plug into an outlet near the place where they want to sit.

Also, because so many elderly people live on a fixed income, netbooks are a great choice because they are so inexpensive compared to other choices such as laptops or notebooks. And then, if something should go wrong with their netbook, it’s not a catastrophe; it’s more of an annoyance because they will be more likely be able to afford a replacement.

Granted there may be some vision issues with the elderly and the small screens you’ll find on a netbook, but there are utilities that allow for expanding the character size on a screen, and also it is possible to use a large square magnifying glass with a netbook, which allows almost anyone to be able to make out what is being shown.

And finally, netbooks are great for the elderly because it allows them to join in on the fun that so many others are having, which is important because so often when new technology comes out, the elderly and complete ignored and passed by, which makes them feel disconnected, lonely and old.

Impact of laptop computers on society

Laptops, much like cell phones, have become a common sight in contemporary society. For all of their positive impacts upon our society, there are also some negative impacts as well. Below are a few of the pros and cons of laptop use.

Portability

• One of the main advantages laptops offer over desktop computer is their portability. Many laptops weigh under six pounds, making them easy to carry around on a regular basis. Laptops are particularly useful for businesspeople who are always on the go, and students who like to be able to take notes faster.

Accessibility

• Accessibility goes hand-in-hand with portability. Since a laptop can be taken anywhere, the user has access to Internet, documents, music, and more from wherever they may be. While a desktop computer and all the information stored on it are relegated to the home, the information on a laptop goes wherever the user takes it, without the hassle of having to save it or email it.

Bad Posture

• If a laptop is being held in the lap, the user will sometimes hunch or slouch while they are using it. While this is not harmful for short amounts of time, maintaining this position every time the laptop is used can lead to poor posture and back or neck injuries. To avoid this, laptops should be placed on a desk or a solid surface when possible, and the user should sit in a straight-back chair to prevent slouching.

Decreased Sperm Production

• Holding a laptop in one's lap for too long can affect male fertility. As the laptop heats up through continued use, it raises the temperature of the scrotum along with it, which can have a negative impact on sperm production. This can be avoided by using the laptop on a desk or a portable laptop table to keep the heat away from the genital area.