The Most Useful Means of Obtaining Information Nowadays, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the means you think is the most useful!

Updated on May 3, 2024 06:58

As the flow of information expands, so too does the need to efficiently access the most effective and trustworthy sources. Users today face a plethora of choices, each claiming to be the key to up-to-date knowledge and insights. Identifying which methods stand out in their ability to not only provide information but also enhance understanding is more crucial than ever. This interactive environment allows you to participate directly in shaping the current landscape of information sources by casting your votes for what you find most valuable. By doing so, not only do you contribute to a community-driven insight into quality, but you also benefit from seeing how others have ranked these tools based on effectiveness and reliability.

What Is the Most Useful Means of Obtaining Information Nowadays?

1

51
votes
Google · Public domain

Internet search engines such as Google

Google

They provide a vast amount of information on virtually any topic, making it very easy to access information quickly and conveniently.
Internet search engines such as Google are web-based tools that allow users to search for information on the World Wide Web. These search engines utilize complex algorithms to index and organize web pages and provide relevant search results based on keywords or queries entered by users.

Search Algorithm: Google's search algorithm analyzes web page content, relevance, and other factors to determine search rankings.

Page Ranking: Google's page ranking system evaluates the quality and relevance of web pages to provide more accurate search results.

Indexing: Google's search engine continuously crawls and indexes billions of web pages to keep its search results up to date.

Query Understanding: Google's search engine can interpret and understand the context and intent behind user queries to deliver more precise results.

Universal Search: Google integrates various content types like web pages, images, videos, news articles, and more into its search results.
2

23
votes
Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn

These platforms allow users to connect with people and organizations from all over the world, providing a wealth of information on various topics.
Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn are online platforms that allow individuals and organizations to create and share content, connect with others, and obtain information in real-time. These platforms enable users to interact with each other through various features such as posting updates, sharing multimedia content, commenting on posts, and joining groups or communities.

Active Users: Twitter - 330 million (Q1 2019), Facebook - 2.38 billion (Q1 2019), LinkedIn - 630 million (May 2020)

Character Limit: Twitter - 280 characters per tweet

Privacy Settings: Twitter - Public, Private, Protected Tweets, Facebook - Various privacy settings for posts and profile visibility, LinkedIn - Privacy settings for profile visibility and network connections

News Feed Algorithm: Twitter - Chronological timeline (with optional algorithmic filtering), Facebook - Algorithmic feed based on user preferences and engagement, LinkedIn - Algorithmic feed based on user preferences and connections

Advertising Platform: Twitter Ads, Facebook Ads Manager, LinkedIn Ads
3

19
votes
OpenStreetMap contributors · CC BY-SA 2.0

Online news sources and blogs

These sources provide up-to-date information on current events and trends, making them a valuable resource for people who need timely information.
Online news sources and blogs are platforms on the Internet where users can access and obtain news and information. These sources are typically created and managed by various organizations and individuals who publish articles, posts, and updates on a wide range of topics.

24/7 accessibility: Users can access news and information at any time.

Wide range of topics: Covering local, national, and international news, as well as various interests and niches.

Real-time updates: News articles and blog posts are often published and updated instantly.

Multimedia content: Includes text, images, videos, and interactive elements.

Diverse perspectives: Offers different viewpoints and opinions on various topics.
4

18
votes
Online libraries and archives

These resources offer access to vast collections of books, documents, and other materials, making them an invaluable resource for researchers and scholars.
Online libraries and archives are digital platforms that provide access to a vast collection of books, documents, articles, and other resources. These platforms have revolutionized the way people seek and explore information by making it convenient and accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.

Large Collection: Online libraries and archives offer an extensive range of resources, often containing millions of books, articles, manuscripts, and historical records.

Digital Format: All materials in online libraries and archives are digitized, allowing users to access, download, and interact with the content electronically.

Searchability: These platforms have advanced search capabilities, enabling users to perform keyword searches, apply filters, and easily navigate through the available materials.

Accessibility: Online libraries and archives can be accessed remotely from any device with internet access, making information available to a wide global audience.

Multilingual Support: Many online libraries and archives offer resources in multiple languages, catering to a diverse user base and expanding access to global knowledge.
5

16
votes
Online forums and discussion boards

These platforms allow users to ask questions and share information with others who have similar interests, making them a valuable resource for people seeking advice or guidance.
Online forums and discussion boards are virtual platforms that facilitate online conversations and exchange of information among a community of users. Users can post questions, ideas, or opinions on various topics, and other users can respond and engage in discussions. These platforms typically allow users to create profiles, customize settings, and join specific groups or topics of interest.

User-generated content: Users can create and publish their own posts and replies.

Topic categories: Forums are organized into different categories or topics to facilitate discussion.

Threaded discussions: Conversations are typically structured into threads, allowing users to follow specific discussions easily.

Moderation tools: These platforms provide moderators with tools to manage and enforce community guidelines.

User profiles: Users can create profiles with customizable information and avatars.
6

15
votes
Online courses and educational resources

These resources provide access to educational materials and courses on a wide range of topics, making them an excellent resource for lifelong learning.
Online courses and educational resources refer to digital platforms and websites that offer a wide range of educational materials and courses to enhance learning and acquire new skills. These resources provide convenient and accessible ways to access knowledge and educational content, catering to a diverse audience of learners.

Availability: Accessible online from anywhere at any time

Variety of courses: Offers a comprehensive range of subjects and topics

Self-paced learning: Allows learners to study at their own pace

Interactive learning materials: Includes multimedia elements to enhance engagement

Expert instructors: Courses are often developed and taught by industry experts
7

8
votes
Podcasts and webinars

These platforms offer access to audio and video content on various topics, making them a great resource for people who prefer to learn through listening and watching.
Podcasts and webinars are popular means of obtaining information nowadays. Podcasts are digital audio or video recordings that can be downloaded or streamed online, while webinars are live online seminars or presentations. These platforms allow for convenient access to a wide range of topics and experts from various industries. Users can listen to or watch these informative sessions on their own schedule, making them a flexible and efficient way of learning.

Wide Topic Range: Podcasts and webinars cover a diverse range of subjects, including technology, business, science, entertainment, education, health, and more.

Accessibility: Users can access podcasts and webinars anytime and anywhere with internet access, allowing for convenient learning on the go.

Expert Insights: Podcasts and webinars often feature industry experts, thought leaders, and professionals who share their knowledge and experiences.

Engaging Formats: Podcasts offer audio formats that can be easily consumed during various activities, such as commuting or exercising. Webinars typically include visual presentations and interactive Q&A sessions.

In-depth Content: Podcasts and webinars often provide in-depth discussions and analysis on specific topics, allowing listeners to gain a deeper understanding.
8

5
votes
嘉傑 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Mobile applications

These apps provide access to information and resources on the go, making them a convenient resource for people who need information while on the move.
Mobile applications are software programs designed and developed for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. These applications provide a wide range of functionalities, including access to information, communication, entertainment, and utility services. They can be downloaded and installed directly onto the device, allowing users to access the features and services offline or online, depending on the specific app.

Compatibility: Mobile apps are available for various platforms such as iOS (Apple), Android (Google), and Windows (Microsoft).

User Interface: Mobile apps offer user-friendly and intuitive interfaces optimized for touchscreens and small screen sizes.

Access to Internet: Most mobile apps require an internet connection to provide up-to-date information and enable online features.

Offline Functionality: Certain mobile apps can operate offline, allowing users to access stored information or perform specific tasks without an internet connection.

Push Notifications: Mobile apps can send push notifications to users, providing real-time updates, reminders, or personalized alerts.
9

10
votes
Costa1001 · CC BY-SA 3.0

E-books and digital publications

Various authors and publishers

These resources provide access to a vast array of reading material, making them a valuable resource for people seeking information on various topics.
E-books and digital publications refer to electronic versions of books and other printed materials that can be read on various devices such as e-readers, tablets, smartphones, and computers. These digital publications offer a convenient and portable way to access and consume information.

Updates: Content can be easily updated and distributed

Format: Various formats such as PDF, EPUB, MOBI

Portability: Can be accessed on multiple devices

Storage: Minimal physical storage required

Searchability: Efficient search functionality within the content
10

5
votes
Online marketplaces and review sites

These platforms provide access to information on products and services, making them a valuable resource for people seeking to make informed purchasing decisions.
Online marketplaces and review sites are platforms that connect buyers and sellers, allowing them to exchange goods or services online. These platforms also provide a space for customers to leave reviews and ratings, helping other users make informed purchasing decisions.

User Base: Millions of users

Product Range: Wide variety of goods and services

Seller Profiles: Detailed information about sellers

Product Reviews: User-generated reviews and ratings

Search Filters: Advanced search filters for refined results

Missing your favorite means?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for useful means

Accuracy

The degree of reliability of the information source should be assessed.
Timeliness

How quickly the information is updated and made available.
Credibility

Whether the information source is known to be authoritative and trustworthy.
Accessibility

How easy it is to obtain the information and how user-friendly the platform is.
Depth and Coverage

The range and depth of information that the source provides.
Cost

Whether there is a fee to access the information.
Quality

The degree of clarity and detail that the information contains.
Relevance

The extent to which the information addresses the question or topic at hand.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most useful means of obtaining information nowadays. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or mean is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1689 views
167 votes
10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Internet search engines such as Google
Social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn
Online courses and educational resources
Online marketplaces and review sites

Voting Rules

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

More information on most useful means of obtaining information nowadays

In today's digital age, information is readily available at our fingertips. With the rise of the internet, social media, and smartphones, there are countless ways to obtain information. From traditional sources like books and newspapers to modern platforms like blogs and podcasts, the options are endless. However, with so much information at our disposal, it can be difficult to determine which means of obtaining information is the most useful. In this article, we will explore the various methods and assess their effectiveness in helping us stay informed and up-to-date.