subject: Initialisms - Be Careful What You Search For [print this page] Initialisms - Be Careful What You Search For
Search Engines and the internet in general has become our chief means of knowledge acquisition. It is a one-stop-shop for any answer to any question, and is more often than not our first port of call for information. Despite, or perhaps as a result of, our heavy reliance on such online data, the internet is also one of the most dangerous places from which to find the solution to your question.
It is often said that you can't believe what you read. Never before has such a sentiment been of greater significance than in the modern age of digital dominance.
From weary university tutors to healthcare professionals, there is a substantial body of disgruntled sceptics, whose view of the internet as a knowledge resource has been skewed by its provision of highly controversial, problematic and downright false information on a wide variety of subjects.
For those who have studied at university or college, the sound of your teachers imploring that you do not use Wikipedia as the basis of you essay and the arguments contained within them will be a familiar one. Though the resource is arguably far more reliable now, only a few years ago the open platform of the site was regarded with huge levels of scepticism.
Whilst plagiarised guff from Wikipedia may lead to low marks on an essay, slightly more worrisome and consequential effects may come from the discovery of false information on health websites. Though there are plenty of helpful and correct pages offering health advice, we have all heard many a story of users consulting a website rather than their own GP. This is a potential recipe for disaster given the volumes of ill-informed information which dogs the internet.
Due to the sheer volumes of information stored by the internet, there is also huge potential for confusion, especially where acronyms and initialisms are involved. Take for instance the international banking firm BNP Paribas. If someone was looking for their nearest branch for instance, they may end up finding their local British National Party meeting.
Perhaps you need to contact the Cardiomyopathy Association (CMA) to get some support for a family member, make sure you do not end up attending a Christian Motorcyclists' Association rally. Alternatively, for those of us looking to find out about the latest ATM trends in the banking sector, we may end up learning how to become an Amateur Telescope Maker!
So, beware the confusion of the internet. Do not believe everything you read, and remember that the thing you seek may not be the top search engine result. Don't end up joining the BNP when all you wanted was a discussion with your bank manager.
