Wikipedia encourages the selfless human
Many people wonder why online communities such as Wikipedia have gained popularity at such an alarming rate. (Wikipedia currently has 12 million articles in dozens of languages since its inception in 2001). Their contributors vary from experts in the field of quantum physics, to die hard fans of Tolkein’s Middle Earth – but they all have one thing in common, each person contributes to Wikipedia without any monetary compensation. The creation of common, and more importantly freely accessible to all, content, is in itself a reward for all those who contribute. People are satisfied that their contribution of knowledge will make a difference to the online community. As knowledge educator David Gurteen points out, people contribute to Wikipedia because ‘They do it for the love of doing it – contributing to a mission – to a worthy cause. They see the value in it’. The lack of monetary return or even recognition, encourages a selfless attitude in those that contribute. Bruns also gives another reason that motivates people to share their knowledge on Wikipedia. He states that maybe it is the sense of ‘teaching the world stuff which they are enthusiastic about’. Or maybe people get a strong feeling of community when working with people within their various knowledge domains.
These shared values of contributing for a greater cause, for a sense of community, also exemplify two aspects of the ‘Old Paradigm’ of economic development as outlined by Dr Robin Batterham. There is a shift from key factors capital, resources and labour, to rising importance of knowledge and creativity. The knowledge contribution of Wikipedians clearly demonstrates this. There is also a shift to strategic alliances and other forms of collaboration, such as networks and clusters, which is illustrated by the ‘strong community of like-minded peers’ existent on Wikipedia. Jonathon Zittrain, Professor of Internat Governance and Regulation further comments on this collaborative aspect in his book, The Future of the Internet and how to stop it. He states, ‘It (Wikipedia) stands for the idea that people of diverse backgrounds can work together on a common project with, whatever its other weaknesses, a noble aim—bringing such knowledge to the world’.
Many people may argue that this ‘noble aim’ aim of Wikipedians comes with a price. Allowing anyone to participate can mean vandalism and damage to the wiki pages of controversial topics, figures or events. But these incorrect edits are quickly reverted back to their original status by a group of enthusiasts who regularly keep watch on recently edited articles. Newcomers are also required to undergo a lengthy process of socialisation in order to assume key roles within Wikipedia (Bruns), a feature that further hinders the existence of any unwanted changes. Zittrain goes on to say how even those not active in making edits, who are mere ‘consumers’ of the Wikipedia model, have the chance to make a difference. ‘Every time someone reads a Wikipedia article and knowingly chooses not to vandalize it, he or she has an opportunity to identify with and reinforce its ethos.’
Doing things for the wider community without any economic benefits or recognition, is a selfless and noble deed – a value encouraged by Wikipedia. It is a testament that altruism really does pervade through all realms – the deliberate pursuit of the interests or welfare of others.
