The Most Reliable Source of Information on the Internet, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the source you think is the most reliable!

Updated on Apr 8, 2024 07:51

In a digital age swamped with information, it's crucial to distinguish between reliable and questionable sources. An array of information hubs compete for attention, yet not all treat accuracy with the same reverence. This necessity spawns the idea of creating a ranked list, driven by popular consensus, to ascertain which sources stand as beacons of reliability. The dynamic nature of the Internet means that what is considered a dependable source today might not hold its ground tomorrow. By allowing users to cast their votes, this list remains reflective of current trends and trust levels. Engagement from a wide audience ensures that the ranking is not only comprehensive but also up-to-date, offering a clear snapshot of public opinion at any given time.

What Is the Most Reliable Source of Information on the Internet?

1

66
votes
Encyclopaedia_Britannica_1911.png: Encyclopaedia Britannica derivative work: Diego Grez return fire · Public domain

Encyclopedia Britannica

- A trusted source of information since 1768, it provides in-depth articles and references for a wide range of topics.
Encyclopedia Britannica is a renowned general knowledge reference work that provides comprehensive and reliable information on a wide range of topics. It is designed to be a reliable source of information for educational purposes, covering subjects such as history, science, literature, arts, and more.

Publication History: First published in 1768, with regular new editions released

Depth of Coverage: Comprehensive and in-depth articles written by highly-qualified experts

Editorial Integrity: Rigorous editorial process ensuring accuracy and credibility

Authoritativeness: Considered one of the most authoritative and reliable sources of information

Accessibility: Available in print and digital formats for easy access
Encyclopedia Britannica in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most reliable encyclopedia
2

41
votes
The New York Times Company · Public domain

The New York Times

- One of the most respected newspapers in the world, it covers news, politics, business, and culture with high-quality journalism.
The New York Times is an American daily newspaper that is widely regarded as one of the most prominent and influential newspapers in the world. It covers various topics including national and international news, politics, business, science, sports, arts, culture, and more. The New York Times aims to provide insightful and high-quality journalism to its readers.

Publication frequency: Daily

Language: English

Headquarters: New York City, United States

First published: September 18, 1851

Format: Print and online
The New York Times in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most reliable newspaper in the US
- Position 5 of 10 in Most reliable website for information
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular news app
3

26
votes
National Geographic

- A trusted source of information on science, nature, and culture, it provides well-researched articles, photos, and videos.
National Geographic is a renowned magazine that focuses on exploring the world through stunning photography, compelling stories, and in-depth reporting. It covers a wide range of topics including nature, science, archaeology, culture, and travel. The magazine aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of our planet and its diverse inhabitants.

Frequency: Monthly

First Published: 1888

Format: Print and digital

Language: English

Number of Issues: 12 per year
National Geographic in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful magazine
- Position 2 of 10 in Most reliable website for information
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular magazine in the UK
4

22
votes
PubMed

- A database of medical literature, it provides access to peer-reviewed articles, clinical studies, and research papers.
PubMed is a online database providing access to biomedical literature and scientific research articles.

Coverage: Covers a wide range of fields including medicine, biology, and healthcare research

Size: Over 32 million articles and abstracts

Searchability: Advanced search options, including filters and sorting

Accessibility: Open access to most articles

Citations: Provides citation information for each article
5

8
votes
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

- A reliable source of information on philosophy, it provides peer-reviewed articles written by scholars in the field.
The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (SEP) is a comprehensive online encyclopedia that provides authoritative and up-to-date information on various topics in philosophy. It is considered one of the most popular and respected sources for philosophical research and knowledge.

Content Coverage: Covers a wide range of topics in philosophy including metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, logic, aesthetics, and more.

Peer-Reviewed: All articles are written by experts in the field and undergo a rigorous peer-review process.

Open Access: The encyclopedia is freely available to anyone with an internet connection.

Regularly Updated: Articles are regularly reviewed and updated to maintain accuracy and incorporate new research and insights.

Detailed Citations: Provides comprehensive citations and references for further reading and research.
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most reliable encyclopedia
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular encyclopedia
6

9
votes
NASA

- A reliable source of information on space, it provides news, photos, and videos of NASA missions, research, and discoveries.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for researching and exploring space. It was established in 1958, succeeding the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). NASA conducts various missions, including launching satellites, exploring other planets, conducting scientific research, and advancing aerospace technology and knowledge.

Year Established: 1958

Primary Responsibility: Civilian space program and space research

Missions: Satellite launches, planetary exploration, scientific research, technology advancement

Headquarters: Washington, D.C.

Website: https://www.nasa.gov
7

10
votes
Highsmith, Carol M., 1946-, photographer · Public domain

The Smithsonian

Joseph Henry

- A trusted source of information on history, culture, and science, it provides well-researched articles, photos, and videos.
The Smithsonian is a renowned institution dedicated to the diffusion of knowledge, scientific research, and collecting and preserving valuable artifacts. It comprises a network of museums, research centers, and educational programs.

Website URL: https://www.si.edu/

Founded: August 10, 1846

Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States

Museums: 19

Research Centers: 9
The Smithsonian in other rankings
- Position 9 of 10 in Most reliable website for information
8

10
votes
The World Health Organization

United Nations

- A reliable source of information on global health issues, it provides news, research, and guidelines on disease prevention and control.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that is responsible for international public health. It provides leadership and sets standards for global health matters, monitors health trends, and coordinates responses to health emergencies.

Website: https://www.who.int/

Established: 7 April 1948

Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland

Director-General: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

Official Languages: English, French, Spanish
9

10
votes
The Internet Archive

Brewster Kahle

- A digital library of books, movies, music, and websites, it provides access to historical and cultural information.
The Internet Archive is a non-profit digital library providing free access to collections of digitized materials, including websites, books, videos, music, and more. It serves as a reliable source of information and a valuable resource for researchers, scholars, and the general public.

Website: https://archive.org/

Type: Digital library

Availability: Free

Collections: Websites, books, videos, music, and more

Archived Websites: Over 469 billion web pages archived
10

9
votes
The Library of Congress

United States Congress

- A trusted source of information on history, culture, and literature, it provides access to books, manuscripts, photos, and maps.
The Library of Congress is the national library of the United States, located in Washington, D.C. It is the largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps, and manuscripts in its collections. The library serves as a research center and provides access to a vast range of resources and knowledge.

Website: https://www.loc.gov/

Size: Largest library in the world

Collections: Millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps, manuscripts

Research Center: Provides extensive research materials

Access to resources: Vast range of resources and knowledge

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Discussion

Ranking factors for reliable source

Credibility

Look for sources that are well-known, established, and respected within the field or industry. Check if the author or organization has the expertise and credentials necessary to speak authoritatively on the subject matter.
Objectivity

A reliable source of information presents facts or data without bias or prejudice. It is essential to avoid sources that slant or manipulate information to achieve a specific end.
Accuracy

Verify the accuracy of the information by cross-checking it with other reputable sources. Make sure that the source cites and evaluates data correctly.
Relevance

Choose sources that are relevant to your research or topic. Make sure the source provides information that is useful for the intended purpose.
Transparency

Reliable sources of information should clearly indicate where the information came from, how it was collected and analyzed.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable source of information on the Internet. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Source is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2921 views
209 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Source once every 24 hours. The rank of each Source is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most reliable source of information on the internet

When it comes to getting information on the Internet, it can be challenging to determine what sources are reliable and trustworthy. With the vast amount of information available online, it's essential to know where to look for reliable sources. In recent years, there has been an increase in fake news and misleading information, making it more important than ever to find credible sources. Some of the most reliable sources of information on the Internet include reputable news outlets, academic journals, government websites, and peer-reviewed articles. These sources are typically backed by research, facts, and experts in the field, making them a reliable and trustworthy source of information. However, it's always important to verify information from multiple sources and be wary of biased or misleading information. By taking the time to research and verify sources, you can ensure you're getting accurate and reliable information on the Internet.