Internet and Research

*I "researched" this image from cybernetnews.com

I completely don't understand why a lot of people would call surfing the internet as research and use Wikipedia as if it's a reliable source.

Seriously.

Internet can indeed be a good tool for academic purposes. I got a lot of Lit Reviews for my papers from the internet. But we always have to be careful in what kind of sources we deem as reliable before putting it in our list of references.

It's easier to judge books. Books can have a lot of bullshit in them, but it would't leave the press if it didn't pass a lot of scrutiny from a lot of people -- the editor/s, publisher, peer reviewer, etc, etc. The publishers, especially, are always careful in taking care of their names AND profits. And even if after all that jazz, the contents of the book remain unwarranted and somewhat hazy, other books will be published on the merits and weaknesses of the first book.

Judging sources from the internet is trickier. Anonymity and the fact that anyone (and I mean anyone) can just write or edit information makes it harder still to judge. You never know what kind of information you're getting.

And besides, I consider research an art. And typing a few words on Google is definitely not artistic. There's something extraordinary about having a journey in getting knowledge rather than having a sketchy information that glares at you after one click.