July 30th, 2024

Oshit: Seven Deadly Sins of Bad Open Source Research

Open source research has gained popularity but faces issues like misuse and poor practices. Bellingcat outlines seven mistakes that undermine integrity, emphasizing accuracy and transparency over speed in sensitive situations.

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Oshit: Seven Deadly Sins of Bad Open Source Research

Open source research has gained credibility and popularity, especially during crises like the war in Gaza, but this rise has also led to misuse and poor practices among researchers. Bellingcat identifies seven common mistakes in open source research that can undermine its integrity. First, failing to provide original sources makes verification difficult, as many social media accounts repost content without proper attribution. Second, researchers must avoid letting personal biases influence their work, acknowledging uncertainties in their findings. Third, archiving material is crucial, as online content can disappear, complicating future investigations. Fourth, lacking context can lead to misinterpretations of events, particularly in conflict monitoring. Fifth, incorrect use of tools and data interpretation can result in false conclusions, highlighting the need for proper training. Sixth, editing footage can obscure vital information, making it harder to analyze content accurately. Lastly, the rush to be first in reporting can lead to significant errors, such as misidentifying individuals involved in incidents. Bellingcat emphasizes that open source research should prioritize accuracy and transparency over speed, as mistakes can have serious consequences, especially in sensitive situations. By recognizing these pitfalls, both researchers and consumers of open source information can improve the quality and reliability of their work.

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