Final answer:
Determining the authenticity of online content involves analyzing the author's credibility, the purpose and trustworthiness of the content, the intended audience, and the overall context. As content creation becomes more democratized yet also more controlled by large corporations, issues of legality, bias, and content influence arise.
Step-by-step explanation:
When new and existing content is combined to create new material online, it can pose challenges in terms of determining the originality and authenticity of the content. To assess whether the content you come across on the Internet is reliable, there are several key areas to consider:
- Who is the author of the web page? Is this author affiliated with a credible organization, and do they have the relevant credentials?
- What is the purpose of the content? Is the information trustworthy, are sources cited, and is there a particular bias?
- Who is the intended audience? Are the needs of the audience met?
- What is the context in which the content is presented, and how does this affect the content's meaning and reliability?
Additionally, with technological advancements, both individuals and corporations have become content creators online. This has resulted in a vast mix of professional and amateur content, often blurring the lines between them. Large corporations and media conglomerates are increasingly controlling new media platforms, raising concerns about the legality of the content, potential biases, and the influence of advertising on content creation.