Islam and the Internet: A Systematic Assessment (Part 2/2)
News & Views
Table 2: Summary of Results
|
Search Engine |
A |
B |
C |
D |
F |
N/A |
|
MSN |
3 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
|
|
1 |
1 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|
Lycos |
1 |
2 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|
Yahoo |
0 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
5 |
|
HotBot |
2 |
1 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
|
Total |
7 |
11 |
14 |
2 |
2 |
14 |
The preceding results confirm the reality of Islamic research on the Internet. It can be a double edged sword—i.e. it can be beneficial at times and disadvantageous at others. The top grade given is tied between a ‘C’ and an ‘N/A’ demonstrating that when a novice to Islam searches five engines and 50 sites for information about the topic, with 10 Web sites from each search engine, he/she is most likely to come across either a mediocre site which uses questionable sources and provides limited information (a ‘C’ site) or a site which provides no information at all (a ‘Not Available’ site). When searching for ‘Islam’ in this manner, 28% of the sites will either be of a ‘C’ or ‘N/A’ quality.
The grade with the next largest number awarded is a ‘B’ indicating that a significant number of sites do provide a factual, albeit not ideal, overview of Islam. ‘B’ sites do, however, ensure that an individual is presented with a solid basis from which to work in the quest for information. When using the five specified engines and examining 10 sites from each search, 22% of the sites will be of a ‘B’ quality.
The next grade to follow is ‘A’ with a total of seven ‘A’ graded sites out of 50. This finding implies that 14% of sites are of superior quality in the quantity, delivery, and validity of information regarding Islam.
Also, four sites have been graded a ‘D’ or ‘F’ for their poor and shoddy quality of information and/or manner in which that information is presented. It is important to reiterate, however, that these sites do exist and may stand to slander the name of Islam.
Conclusion
On the whole, the preceding findings serve as a reminder that common sense, critical thinking and analysis are essential to research any topic on the Internet. But this is particularly important with regard to Islam, since it is an often misperceived and complex subject. Since the Internet is here to stay, and many people do use it to find information on Islam, it behoves scholars in the field to use the medium to teach the truth about religion1.