Fragile Reference, Faked Authority, and the Advance of Counterknowledge
Rezumat
Abstract: The digital landscape has disrupted the stability of connection to past knowledge built around the bibliographic reference system, introducing phenomena like reference rot and the disappearance or manipulation of online sources. The paper explores the challenges posed by the digital age to the verifiability and fixity of texts, highlighting the volatility of digital information and the risks associated with unverifiable and fluid online content. It discusses the impact of these challenges on scholarly communication, the dissemination of poor-quality science through predatory and problematic journals, and the proliferation of misinformation. Possible solutions to address these issues are presented, emphasizing that media and information education are crucial in equipping individuals with the skills to evaluate and trust sources effectively. Ultimately, the paper argues for a concerted effort to adapt traditional principles of reference and verification to the digital environment, ensuring that the knowledge we rely on remains durable, reliable, and accessible for future generations.
Keywords: bibliographic references, online information sources, digital preservation, information evaluation, epistemic trust, cognitive authority, misinformation
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