Building Trust in a Partisan World: Lessons from Wikipedia

Wikipedia's co-founder, Jimmy Wales, has a lot to say about trust. His new book, "The Seven Rules of Trust", discusses how trust can be built in large groups, such as businesses, governments, and online communities. He argues that trust is established through purpose, kindness, and collaboration.

Wikipedia: A Global Collaboration

Wikipedia is a massive collaborative project, where people worldwide contribute to a free online encyclopedia. However, it faces criticism—some claim it is biased, while others question its reliability. Jimmy Wales acknowledges these concerns and insists that Wikipedia must continuously improve.

Addressing Criticisms

One major criticism is Wikipedia’s list of untrusted sources. Some argue this list is biased, but Jimmy defends it as a guideline to help users find reliable information. He admits it’s not perfect but believes it’s a good starting point.

The Politicization of Information

Jimmy highlights how information can become politicized, using the pandemic mask debate as an example. Initially, people were advised not to wear masks, but later, they were told to wear them at all times. This inconsistency led to confusion and distrust. He emphasizes that not everything is political—sometimes, it’s just about facts.

The Future of Trust in Information

Wikipedia has endured for decades, with a strong budget and widespread support. Jimmy is confident it will continue to thrive. However, he raises a bigger question: How do we build trust in our information ecosystem?

He believes we must work together to strengthen trust rather than undermine it.