Online knowledge: How does Wikipedia actually work?

There are over 60 million articles on Wikipedia in more than 330 languages. In addition, around 600 new articles are created every day in the world's largest online encyclopedia. But how exactly does Wikipedia actually work?

Whether Robert Oppenheimer, ChatGPT or Israel: These are just some of the topics that were among the top ten on Wikipedia last year. The free online encyclopedia recorded a total of 13 billion views in 2023.

The platform was founded on January 15, 2001 by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger. Its name comes from the Hawaiian word “Wiki” (quick) and “Encyclopedia” (encyclopedia). It is operated by the Wikimedia Foundation (WMF), a non-profit organization based in San Francisco.

How does Wikipedia work?

Wikipedia now includes around 60 million articles and other content in over 330 languages ​​and dialects. Around 600 new posts are added every day. Because the project is based on the so-called wiki principle.

Specifically, this means: A wiki is a specific part of the website that can be edited by users. In this way, information can be collected collectively and continually developed further. This means that all users can write articles and change existing texts. It's not even necessary to register.

However, there are some rules and guidelines. They should ensure the quality and neutrality of the content. For example, authors are encouraged to write articles from a neutral point of view. They should also be respectful.

An active community of volunteer authors monitors compliance with the principles and enforces them where necessary. Certain articles that contain controversial and sensitive content or are often falsified can only be edited by so-called administrators. Tools to combat vandalism have also been introduced, such as automated editing monitoring by bots.

Criticism of Wikipedia: Inaccurate, incorrect and only written by men

Wikipedia is a unique example of the collection of collective knowledge and its constant development. The platform thrives on the active participation of its community and has become an important knowledge tool for millions of people. It has also influenced the way the world population obtains information.

Since the platform was founded, however, there has been repeated criticism. From the quality of the content to the structure and administration. Experts, journalists and researchers regularly point out a lack of reliability and accuracy.

Cases of manipulation and vandalism also occur again and again. Wikipedia is particularly vulnerable to so-called “edit” wars when it comes to politically sensitive or controversial topics. Different groups try to change the articles to suit their own agenda. Another point of criticism: the gender gap.

According to research, the majority of Wikipedia articles are written by men. Women and issues affecting women are underrepresented. This leads to an unbalanced presentation of knowledge and perspectives. Researchers have also found that articles about women or feminist issues are often shorter and less detailed. In addition, there is sometimes a lack of geographical and cultural diversity. However, Wikipedia does have its own article entitled “Criticism of Wikipedia”.

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