Is the Internet a trustworthy source of information? Is it as reliable as print?

Information can be collected from countless sources, including books, Internet, media and people. Although it might vary depending on the researcher's needs, some of these mediums are convenient and reliable, while others are not. The Internet and books are one of the most widely used method of collecting information. When negotiating about the mediums' convenience, for some people, books may be more convenient than the Internet and for others, the Internet may be more convenient than books. However, on the other hand, when discussing about their reliability, printed copies of information seems like a better and more thoughtful choice of option. 

The information in the books is much more reliable and accurate than that of the Internet. The reason for this is that on Internet, everyone could give his/her suggestions or opinions about a subject, and its reader might not be sure of whether the information is correct. There are definitely reliable sources in the Internet, however, it is very difficult to find out and differ correct information from false information.

An example of unreliable digital media is Yahoo! Answers. In some instances, people could grasp accurate information, however, because Yahoo! does not evaluate and guarantee the accuracy of the responses on their website, its information is not always correct. Similar websites such as Answers.com or Wikipedia could be a great starting point to gather ideas, however, because these information are opinion-based, they might not be the most ideal websites to make references.

The main reason that the digital media is less reliable than print media is because anyone can upload something to the digital media. Online, one can say something without backing it up with evidence, whereas in printed copies such as reference books, stating the information's source is absolutely mandatory.

In comparison to digital mediums, the complicated processes of print publications, such as revising and editing gives books an advantage in reliability. Books are strictly revised about 6 to 8 times by publishing professionals. Not only books, but research essays, magazines, or newspapers are needed to be researched and proof-read multiple times for the actual publication process to occur. The authors of the print mediums are confident of its content and reliability. 

Ultimately, although both print and digital medias have its advantages and disadvantages, in general, print media contains much more reliable information. This is for the reason that print sources are processed through the stages of editing and reviewing by professionals, whereas Internet sources are the space provided for everyone to share their ideas without the need of referencing. 

Although the reliability of information definitely matters in a lot of cases, one cannot deny the fact that the print and digital medias all have an ideal time and place for its use.