Open Source Information

Technology has undoubtedly changed the way we access, use and provide information. Many facts are easier to locate but sometimes more challenging to verify. As technology makes information more open source, verification may become more challenging.

Open source information invites two breeds of fallacy. The first is called the fallacy of consensus gentium. This is the fallacy that a statement is true because it is widely believed. Popular opinion is in this case presented as a proof.

The second fallacy is the fallacy of ascertainment. This is "finding what you are looking for" even when presented with ample evidence to the contrary. In an immense open source environment, it becomes easier to find and read only information that supports a particular point of view, whether correct or incorrect. (such as the extreme example: "space aliens are here and are working with the government")

These fallacies are not problems with the technology software, but simply known human tendencies that information professionals (and laypersons) should strive to compensate for.

Here is a nice summary of 35 fallacies: http://www.wdv.com/Writings/Fallacies/