Uncanny Valley | WIRED BIG INTV: Wikipedia's Founder on Holding the Line in a Post Fact World
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Jan 20, 2026 
In a captivating discussion, Jimmy Wales, co-founder of Wikipedia and advocate for open knowledge, reflects on the platform's humble beginnings and its dramatic growth over 25 years. He shares insights on navigating censorship from authoritarian regimes and the challenges of maintaining neutrality in a polarized landscape. Wales highlights how declining trust in facts impacts society and urges tech leaders to prioritize integrity over short-term gains. Plus, he offers practical ways for listeners to contribute to Wikipedia and foster a healthier information ecosystem.
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Vandalism Became A Source
- Someone once vandalized Jimmy Wales's Wikipedia page claiming he played chess with friends, which was false.
- Lazy journalists copied it from Wikipedia into a magazine bio, creating a spurious source.
Neutrality Is Relative And Practical
- Neutrality isn't about perfection but reducing bias compared to partisan sources.
- Jimmy Wales says emotionally charged editors should avoid editing topics they care deeply about to preserve neutrality.
Step Back From Topics You Feel Strongly About
- Avoid editing articles where you are highly emotional or personally invested.
- Stepping back prevents biased edits and preserves community collaboration.
