The Crisis of Collaborative Writing. The Case of Denialism on Wikipedia

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-1500

Keywords:

Wikipedia, collaborative writing, denialism, crisis, co-creation, free knowledge, collaborative authorship, disinformation

Abstract

Introduction: In this work we analyze the generation of knowledge through collaborative writing in the pages on denialism in Wikipedia. Methodology:The study carried out both quantitative (through the Xtools tool) and qualitative (through discourse analysis applied to the editors' comments) analysis. All the pages on denialism in Wikipedia in Spanish and without the denialist addition were analyzed (fourteen). Results:Data have been extracted and tables have been provided on the results of the research, focusing on the authorship of the entries, behavior of the editions, discussion pages and relevant milestones. Discussion:It is observed that there is partiality in the construction of some pages, as well as a lack of neutrality derived from the generation of knowledge, especially in cases in which an author monopolizes the construction of content. Conclusions:Collaborative writing allows different points of view to be integrated, but it presupposes high collaboration, which does not always occur. It is necessary to be aware of its limitations to trust, as has been observed with the case analyzed.

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Author Biographies

Marta García Sahagún, Rey Juan Carlos University

Associate Professor and Coordinator of the Degree in Advertising and Public Relations at the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos de Madrid (Spain). She holds a degree in Advertising and Public Relations (UCM), a Master in Literature, Artistic Institutions and Cultural Communication (IUIOG) and a PhD with European mention in Advertising and Audiovisual Communication (UCM). She has carried out research stays at the Universities of Paris IV Sorbonne and the University of Edinburgh. Her lines of research focus on: Image Analysis, Digital Communication and Corporate Intangibles.

Florencia Claes, Rey Juan Carlos University

PhD in Audiovisual Communication and Advertising from the Complutense University of Madrid, with the Extraordinary Doctorate Award. Degree in Audiovisual Communication from the UCM, also with an extraordinary award. Advanced Technician in Audiovisual, Radio and Entertainment Production (ISER Argentina). Accredited by ANECA as Titular de Universidad Doctor in 2023. Author of more than 30 articles and book chapters on audiovisual issues, online opinion leaders, virtual communities and digital communication. With 10 years of experience in production at the Globomedia Group. Advocate of free culture and editor of Wikipedia since 2009. President of Wikimedia Spain since 2021.

Antonio García Jiménez, Rey Juan Carlos University

Professor of Journalism at the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC). His teaching and scientific career is linked to media documentation and the practices and consumption of adolescents and young people in social networks, with a focus on digital vulnerabilities. In addition to her academic production, she has directed and participated in a large number of national and international research projects. In recent years he has also focused on disinformation and science communication. Director of the Communication, Society and Culture Research Group (GICOMSOC), he has been Dean of the Faculty of Communication Sciences at the URJC (2008-2014) and director of the Master in Communication and Sociocultural Problems (2015-2018).

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Published

2025-03-26

How to Cite

García Sahagún, M., Claes, F., & García Jiménez, A. (2025). The Crisis of Collaborative Writing. The Case of Denialism on Wikipedia. European Public & Social Innovation Review, 10, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2025-1500

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