The internet is a very reliable source of information because there is such a large group to check everything

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The statement to evaluate is: 'The internet is a very reliable source of information because there is such a large group to check everything.'
Option 1: True. This option argues that the internet’s reliability comes from the large number of people who can review and check information. While crowd review can help catch some errors and expose false claims, this reasoning is flawed because (a) anyone can post content online, including misinformation, propaganda, or mistakes, regardless of expertise; (b) there is no guaranteed process ensuring that “the large group” functions as a trustworthy peer-review or verification mechanism; (c) the quality of information varies widely by source, domain, and context, and large volume does not equate to accuracy; (d) search algorithms, confirmation bias, and social dynamics can amplify incorrect information. In short, quantity of reviewers does not automatically confer reliability, and this option overlooks common pitfalls of online information.
Option 2: False. This choice correctly challenges the assumption that sheer quantity of people checking content ensures reliability. It acknowledges that while many users can contribute to scrutiny, there is no formalized, universal guarantee that consensus or crowd verification will occur, be accurate, or be free of manipulation. Without critical evaluation, source verification, and evidence-quality checks, the notion of reliability remains dubious. This aligns with understanding that information quality depends on credibility of sources, evidence, citation practices, and editorial safeguards, not merely on the size of the audience or the number of people capable of checking.
Option 1 vs Option 2: The core distinction is whether crowd checking alone suffices for reliability. The first option overweights the positive effect of large-scale scrutiny and underestimates issues like misinformation, bias, and lack of expertise. The second option appropriately questions the assumption and points to the need for credible sourcing and critical appraisal rather than relying on volume alone. The broader educational takeaway is to treat online information with critical thinking: verify sources, cross-check with reputable references, and be mindful of potential biases, even in widely produced content.
Note: If you encounter contexts where reliable crowd verification is part of a structured system (for example, well-mediate platforms with editorial standards, fact-checking partnerships, or scholarly databases), the dynamics can be different. However, the general claim as stated does not automatically guarantee reliability, given the factors discussed above.

INFO1111 (ND) Level 1 Knowledge: Practice Quiz

The internet is a very reliable source of information because there is such a large group to check everything

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