Death by AI: Will large language models diminish Wikipedia?

Abstract

We argue that advances in large language models (LLMs) and generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) will diminish the value of Wikipedia, due to a withdrawal by human content producers, who will withhold their efforts, perceiving less need for their efforts and increased “AI competition.” We believe the greatest threat to Wikipedia stems from the fact that Wikipedia is a user-generated product, relying on the “selfish altruism” of its human contributors. Contributors who reduce their contribution efforts as AI pervades the platform, will thus leave Wikipedia increasingly dependent on additional AI activity. This, combined with a dynamic where readership creates authorship and readers being disintermediated, will inevitably cause a vicious cycle leading to a staling of the content and diminishing value of this venerable knowledge resource.