"Unknowns" Host Charlie Stone Interviews Wikipedia Founder Jimmy Wales: Civility Will Save Us

RealClearPolitics

by Charlie Stone, The Unknowns

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

In a wide-ranging interview marking Wikipedia's 25th anniversary, founder Jimmy Wales shared insights on the platform's community-driven model, the challenges of verifying information, and his concerns about declining trust in institutions. Wales emphasized that verifiability through reliable third-party sources remains Wikipedia's core barrier to inclusion, particularly for businesses, brands, and even celebrities with limited neutral coverage. He urged individuals and organizations to earn genuine journalistic attention to establish credibility. While he sees AI as prone to "hallucinations," especially on niche topics, he believes its potential lies in assistive roles, such as cross-checking sources or flagging unsupported claims. Wales also warned of the risks of relying solely on AI-generated summaries, which could divert traffic from established platforms like Wikipedia and newspapers. Wales expressed deep concern over the erosion of trust in journalism, politics, and business, citing partisan media and divisive social algorithms as key contributors to societal polarization. He argued that a return to civility and collaboration is essential for rebuilding trust, drawing lessons from Wikipedia's success in fostering stranger collaborations online. His new book, *The Seven Rules of Trust: A Blueprint for Building Things That Last*, outlines principles like positivity, clear purpose, and civility as foundational to sustained trust. These rules, Wales believes, are not just vital for online platforms but for addressing the broader global crisis of credibility. Wales also shared a lesser-known anecdote about his bold performance of "Sweet Home Alabama" on Bulgarian TV two decades ago, calling on Wikipedia volunteers to help him recover the forgotten clip. His story highlights both his personality and his enduring connection to the platform he founded. As AI continues to evolve, Wales remains optimistic that it won't replace human roles in journalism or knowledge-building but will instead augment the work of those who use it thoughtfully. His emphasis on trust, collaboration, and civility offers a compelling framework for addressing the challenges facing media, politics, and technology today. For readers interested in politics, Wales' insights into declining institutional credibility and the potential of AI as an assistive tool for journalists are particularly relevant. His call for civility and cooperation resonates with ongoing debates about polarization

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Originally published on RealClearPolitics on 2/23/2026