Generative AI and Its Impact on Online Communities

Generative AI is transforming how we interact with the world and each other. From creating images to composing essays, AI seems to be everywhere. But as technology evolves, its influence on human behaviour, especially in online communities, is becoming more evident. This article reflects on a fascinating discussion led by Gordon Burtch, a professor at Boston University, on how generative AI, particularly large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, is altering online spaces and causing unexpected consequences.

Once upon a time, if you encountered a technical problem, you’d visit a place like Stack Overflow, a vibrant online community for developers, where other people would help you out. You’d post a question, someone would answer, and you’d probably learn something useful, maybe even make a new connection.

But now? Many users skip the human interaction entirely. Instead of waiting for another person to respond, they turn to AI tools like GitHub Copilot or ChatGPT for instant answers. This shift is happening not just for coding but for all sorts of creative and knowledge-driven tasks where humans traditionally collaborated.

While this might seem like a victory for efficiency, there’s a hidden cost. Burtch highlights how generative AI is quietly pushing people away from these communities, reducing peer-to-peer interactions and, in some cases, degrading the overall quality of these platforms. Stack Overflow, for example, has seen a 12-15% decline in web traffic since tools like ChatGPT became widely used.

There’s no doubt that AI is incredibly helpful. Large language models like ChatGPT can write code, solve problems, and even offer advice in a matter of seconds. They’re so effective, they can perform at the level of a smart high school student on standardised tests.

However, AI has a significant flaw: hallucinations. Sometimes, these models produce false information, confidently delivering incorrect answers. This can become problematic when users rely on AI-generated solutions without realising they might be wrong. It’s a paradox where efficiency improves, but the quality of information degrades.

This isn’t just an issue of accuracy. Platforms like Stack Overflow and Reddit depend on peer-reviewed content, where people share and validate knowledge. When AI generates content instead of humans, it risks reducing the depth and accuracy that these communities depend on.

Perhaps the most concerning impact of generative AI on online communities is how it erodes social connections. In spaces like Stack Overflow, once vibrant with human interaction, AI is now replacing much of the peer-to-peer collaboration. This isn’t just about answering technical questions—it’s about the slow erosion of the social fabric that binds communities together.

Online communities have always been about more than just knowledge-sharing—they’re about connection. Platforms like Stack Overflow and Reddit provide spaces where people build relationships, learn from each other, and grow together. AI is disrupting this dynamic by removing the need for human-to-human interaction.

Burtch predicts that these effects aren’t limited to technical communities. We can expect similar shifts across other spaces where AI can offer quick solutions. If we continue to replace peer interaction with AI, we risk losing something fundamental: the social bonds that underpin these communities.

Here’s where emotional intelligence (EI) comes into play. Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognise, understand, and manage emotions, both our own and others’. It’s something AI still lacks. When people interact, there’s an exchange of empathy, understanding and sometimes frustration. This emotional exchange is crucial for building trust and relationships.

When we turn to AI for answers instead of people, we miss out on these emotional and social benefits. Sure, you might get an answer faster, but you lose the opportunity to bond, collaborate and grow alongside others. Emotional intelligence isn’t just about managing feelings; it’s about fostering the social bonds that make communities thrive.

In spaces where emotional intelligence is high, people are more likely to support each other, offer help and engage in meaningful conversations. These interactions create a sense of belonging and trust, essential for maintaining healthy communities.

The societal implications of generative AI are profound. If AI continues to replace human interaction in online communities, it could lead to a broader decline in peer connections across various sectors. Burtch highlights how important peer interactions are, not just in online forums but also in workplaces and educational settings.

For instance, in a company, if employees stop turning to each other for help and rely on AI instead, it could harm team dynamics, onboarding and overall job satisfaction. The same goes for education. If students rely on AI for answers rather than collaborating with their peers or teachers, it could undermine learning outcomes and reduce the quality of education.

Despite the rapid adoption of AI, a key challenge is the lack of significant economic return on investment. Businesses have poured resources into generative AI, but the economic payoff remains relatively low. This presents a dilemma for companies seeking tangible ROI while continuing to invest in cutting-edge technology.

Additionally, there’s a growing concern about “data contamination.” As more data online is generated by AI itself, these models are increasingly training on their own outputs. This feedback loop could degrade the quality of future AI outputs, potentially polluting the internet’s data ecosystem and making AI models less reliable over time.

Moving Forward: A Balanced Approach

So, where do we go from here? Generative AI is here to stay, and in many ways, it’s a valuable tool. But as we integrate these technologies into our lives, we must strike a balance. AI should supplement human interaction, not replace it.

In conclusion, while AI is transforming how we live and work, we must remember that it can never replace the human touch. Emotional intelligence, social bonds and peer interactions are crucial to the health of our communities. If we’re not careful, we risk losing these valuable elements to the allure of speed and convenience. So, let’s embrace AI—but let’s also keep it human.