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Is Wikipedia Biased?

Author

Listed:
  • Shane Greenstein
  • Feng Zhu

Abstract

This study empirically examines whether Wikipedia has a neutral point of view. It develops a method for measuring the slant of 28 thousand articles about US politics. In its earliest years, Wikipedia's political entries lean Democrat on average. The slant diminishes during Wikipedia's decade of experience. This change does not arise primarily from revision of existing articles. Most articles arrive with a slant, and most articles change only mildly from their initial slant. The overall slant changes due to the entry of articles with opposite slants, leading toward neutrality for many topics, not necessarily within specific articles.

Suggested Citation

  • Shane Greenstein & Feng Zhu, 2012. "Is Wikipedia Biased?," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 102(3), pages 343-348, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:aecrev:v:102:y:2012:i:3:p:343-48
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    File URL: http://www.aeaweb.org/articles.php?doi=10.1257/aer.102.3.343
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bernhardt, Dan & Krasa, Stefan & Polborn, Mattias, 2008. "Political polarization and the electoral effects of media bias," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 92(5-6), pages 1092-1104, June.
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