Engagement or entanglement? The dual impact of generative artificial intelligence in online knowledge exchange platforms

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT and Gemini, have the potential to substantially transform various domains, particularly platforms centered on information exchange. This study investigates the impact of generative AI on content contribution and knowledge-seeking behavior within online knowledge exchange platforms by leveraging a comprehensive dataset from a leading Q&A community. The results indicate a decrease in engagement levels, as evidenced by fewer posts and users, especially within the technology sector. However, this decline is accompanied by a notable benefit: an enhancement in the quality and complexity of questions, leading to an increased number of visits to these types of posts. Furthermore, our findings show a reduction in the number of questions and answers contributed by users with lower expertise, making communities more efficient. Our research highlights the importance of generative AI tools in the dynamics of knowledge exchange and offers suggestions for platform designers to revitalize their ecosystems to enhance user engagement.