The Uniqueness of Conservapedia's Target Audience and Perceived Bias

The target audience for Conservapedia is not the general public seeking comprehensive and objective information. Rather, it is a specific segment, primarily consisting of American conservative Christians and high school or college students with similar leanings. This population relies on resources that align with their existing beliefs while reinforcing their notions.

Who is the True Target Audience?

As succinctly pointed out by Daniel Mokrauer-Madden, the target audience for Conservapedia is essentially its existing contributors. These contributors, who share a conservative Christian worldview, find validation and reinforcement in content that echoes their beliefs. Add to this the fact that Conservapedia is embedded within a broader right-wing echo chamber, similar to Fox News and right-wing talk radio, which provides a similar reinforcement environment.

Conservative Christians and High School Students

Broadly speaking, the primary target audience is American conservative Christians, particularly high school students. These individuals prefer a reference source that aligns with their preconceived notions over a wide range of sources. The site provides an echo chamber where misconceptions and beliefs can be reinforced without challenging different viewpoints or promoting any sense of objectivity.

Comparison to Other Sources

Conservapedia can be compared to Fox News for traditional media outlets, or to Wikipedia for reference resources. However, it is specifically crafted for a conservative audience, much like how Fox News caters to a more liberal audience. The site's founder, Andrew Schlafly, created Conservapedia in response to what he perceived as a liberal bias in Wikipedia. Schlafly, the son of conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly, established the site to offer a reference source that aligns with his conservative worldview.

Perceived Liberal Bias of Wikipedia vs. Conservapedia

The perceived liberal bias of Wikipedia is a controversial topic. Andrew Schlafly, the founder of Conservapedia, argues that Wikipedia has a liberal bias. However, Jimmy Wales, the co-founder of Wikipedia, disputes this claim, stating that the community might be slightly more liberal due to its global makeup. Critiques of Wikipedia's coverage often cite biased articles on subjects such as intelligent design, global warming, and Roe v. Wade. Lawrence Solomon, a critic from National Review, often points to these biases, as do conservative publications like Human Events.

Conclusion

While critics argue that Conservapedia helps reinforce preconceived notions and contributes to an echo chamber effect, it serves a specific audience's needs. The site acts as a reference source for conservative Christians and high school students who seek information that aligns with their beliefs. Despite its perceived flaws, it plays a role in the landscape of information sources, albeit in a highly selective and biased manner.