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The consequences of generative AI for online knowledge communities
Gordon Burtch1, Dokyun Lee2, Zhichen Chen2
1Questrom School of Business, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA. gburtch@bu.edu.
Scientific Reports
|May 6, 2024
Summary
Generative artificial intelligence, like ChatGPT, is decreasing user activity on Stack Overflow, especially for new users. However, Reddit communities remain unaffected, highlighting the role of social connections in mitigating AI
Area of Science:
- Computer Science
- Social Sciences
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Generative artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models (LLMs), is rapidly transforming information access and content creation.
- The impact of these advanced AI technologies on online knowledge communities and user participation remains largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of generative AI, specifically ChatGPT, on user activity within online developer communities.
- To compare the effects of ChatGPT on Stack Overflow versus Reddit developer communities.
- To identify user demographics most affected by AI-driven changes in participation.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of website traffic and question submission data from Stack Overflow and Reddit developer communities.
- Data collection period: October 2021 to March 2023.
- Comparative analysis of user activity trends between the two platforms.
Main Results:
- Significant decrease in website visits and question volume observed on Stack Overflow, particularly for topics where ChatGPT excels.
- No comparable decline in user activity was found in Reddit developer communities.
- The reduction in participation on Stack Overflow was concentrated among newer users, suggesting a greater impact on less experienced individuals.
Conclusions:
- Generative AI, exemplified by ChatGPT, is demonstrably altering participation dynamics in online knowledge-sharing platforms.
- The strong social fabric within Reddit communities may act as a protective factor against the potential community-degrading effects of LLMs.
- Newer and less socially integrated users are more susceptible to reduced engagement due to the rise of AI-powered information tools.
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