Andre Oboler, Gerald Steinberg and Rephael Stern
Journal of Information Technology and Politics
July 10, 2010

Andre Oboler and Gerald Steinberg, Bar-Ilan University and NGO Monitor
Rephael Stern, Brandeis University and NGO Monitor

Abstract: This paper introduces criticism elimination, a type of information removal leading to a framing effect that impairs Wikipedia‟s delivery of a Neutral Point of View (NPOV) and ultimately facilitates a new form of gatekeeping with political science and information technology implications. This paper demonstrates a systematic use of criticism elimination and categorizes the editors responsible into four types. We show some types use criticism elimination to dominated and manipulated articles to advocate political and ideological agendas. We suggest mitigation approaches to criticism elimination. The research is interdisciplinary and based on empirical analysis of the public edit histories.

Download the full paper, here.