It's pretty well known that user-generated information on Wikipedia isn't always true. In fact, the online encyclopedia has seen some major blunders. There have been false deaths, fact mistakes, and even libel cases.
One Wikipedia contributor, for example, edited information about Greek philosopher Plato. The page said he was a Hawaiian weather man and surfer, writer of cosmo girls, and a student of Barney the purple dinosaur.
This might sound funny and pretty innocent but sometimes editors create a more serious controversy.
MORE: 15 Biggest Wikipedia Blunders
Last year, one user edited Miley Cyrus' Wikipedia page -- making fans believe the actress died in a fatal car crash while being on her way to the Hannah Montana set.
The news was soon picked up by digg and other sites, but was later reported as a hoax.
Another big Wikipedia blunder involves the President of the University of Cincinnati. Someone edited her Wikipedia page saying that she's a prostitute, rarely attends UC sporting events, and doesn't care what alumni or students think.
Her page was quickly corrected, but screenshots of these blunders are still out there.
That's why Wikipedia created a new editing policy.
Changes to a page about a living person and certain organizations will need to be approved by an experienced volunteer.
The site will also use color codes to indicate the reliability of an article's author.
Do you have any website tips? Email me: pelpina.trip@the33tv.com or find me on Twitter: @pelpina
One Wikipedia contributor, for example, edited information about Greek philosopher Plato. The page said he was a Hawaiian weather man and surfer, writer of cosmo girls, and a student of Barney the purple dinosaur.
This might sound funny and pretty innocent but sometimes editors create a more serious controversy.
MORE: 15 Biggest Wikipedia Blunders
Last year, one user edited Miley Cyrus' Wikipedia page -- making fans believe the actress died in a fatal car crash while being on her way to the Hannah Montana set.
The news was soon picked up by digg and other sites, but was later reported as a hoax.
Another big Wikipedia blunder involves the President of the University of Cincinnati. Someone edited her Wikipedia page saying that she's a prostitute, rarely attends UC sporting events, and doesn't care what alumni or students think.
Her page was quickly corrected, but screenshots of these blunders are still out there.
That's why Wikipedia created a new editing policy.
Changes to a page about a living person and certain organizations will need to be approved by an experienced volunteer.
The site will also use color codes to indicate the reliability of an article's author.
Do you have any website tips? Email me: pelpina.trip@the33tv.com or find me on Twitter: @pelpina
