Misinformation and fake news are forcing us to re-evaluate how we navigate information online. Amid the fray, one site in particular has become embedded in our daily consumption of information: Wikipedia.

Siri and Alexa use it to answer our questions, and Google brings it to the top of our search results. Facebook and YouTube are building new ways to pull information from it onto their platforms. Wikipedia is ranked the fifth moth popular website in the entire world.

But should we trust it? Analyses show that Wikipedia’s user-generated content is riddled with bias that reflects the makeup of its editors – mostly men. Wikipedia lacks accurate and detailed information on women.

Join SPJ Georgia and General Assembly on July 21 for a conversation over lunch on Wikipedia’s evolution from total taboo to a mainstream fountain of information. Registration is free at this link.

Hear from educators, journalists and data analysts on how to evaluate information, and discuss the power and responsibility we have to create a more equal and accurate record. Get a hands-on lesson on how to edit and create a Wikipedia page. Spend time networking while working on a list of un-sung women in journalism whose pages need creating or updating.

Note: Attendees should bring their own laptops and are strongly encouraged to create a Wikipedia account prior to arrival.

Who: Moderator: Willoughby Mariano, investigative reporter, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Panelists: Jovita Moore, news anchor; WSB-TV, Candace Roberts, data analysis and SQL instructor, General Assembly; Jennifer Sutcliffe, librarian, Emory University.

When: July 21. Panel discussion begins at 11 a.m.; Wikipedia editing workshop and lunch at noon; Networking and editing 1 to 2 p.m.

Where: General Assembly, Ponce City Market 675 Ponce De Leon Avenue NE, 2nd Floor
Atlanta, GA 30308.

Cost: Free admission, lunch included.

Learn more:
The Conversation: Why Wikipedia often overlooks stories of women in history
EAB: Academia is changing its mind about the Wikipedia taboo