This weeks lecture were answering a few questions about the internet. The one that was explored into most detail was: how can we trust the validity of the internet.  In the weeks readings it was suggested that the internet is a lot easier to put up information and a lot easier for a lot more people to get things published. The point was raised that because it is easy for so many people to publish things to the public on the internet how can we trust it as we’ve come to trust books as a source of credible information, books having to go through various critical stages before it is released to the public.

The answer that came from a rather lengthy discussions and anecdotes in the lecture is it all comes down to common sense (much like the discussion in last weeks lecture about ideas surrounding copyright laws and defamation on the internet).

It has become a social norm to be on the internet for us and as such there are certain signs that you look out for, just as you would in real life, in order to judge a situation. Just as you would be sceptical of a man in an unmarked van handing out lollies you would also be sceptical of the odds that you really are the 999,999,999th visitor to that website . . . for the third time, or that you won the Tattslotto . . . in Nigeria. Obviously some things are harder to spot then others but as you live you learn and this is no different.

Common sense people!