The consequences of generative AI for online knowledge communities

Scientific Reports volume  14, Article number: 10413 (2024 ) Cite this article

Generative artificial intelligence technologies, especially large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, are revolutionizing information acquisition and content production across a variety of domains. These technologies have a significant potential to impact participation and content production in online knowledge communities. We provide initial evidence of this, analyzing data from Stack Overflow and Reddit developer communities between October 2021 and March 2023, documenting ChatGPT’s influence on user activity in the former. We observe significant declines in both website visits and question volumes at Stack Overflow, particularly around topics where ChatGPT excels. By contrast, activity in Reddit communities shows no evidence of decline, suggesting the importance of social fabric as a buffer against the community-degrading effects of LLMs. Finally, the decline in participation on Stack Overflow is found to be concentrated among newer users, indicating that more junior, less socially embedded users are particularly likely to exit.

Recent advancements in generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) technologies, especially large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, have been significant. LLMs demonstrate remarkable proficiency in tasks that involve information retrieval and content creation1,2,3. Given these capabilities, it is important to consider their potential to drive seismic shifts in the way knowledge is developed and exchanged within online knowledge communities4,5.

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