Stack Overflow, founded in 2008, quickly became the go-to platform for software developers to share solutions, discuss problems, and build a rich knowledge base. However, the emergence of AI tools like ChatGPT has posed a serious challenge to this model. Since ChatGPT’s launch two years ago, Stack Overflow’s activity has declined significantly.

A study by Cornivus University in Budapest revealed a 25% decline in Stack Overflow activity within just six months of ChatGPT’s launch in November 2022. Over the past two years, the platform has experienced an overall 50% drop in traffic, questions, and answers.

This decline has hit the most popular programming languages the hardest — those with abundant information that language models like ChatGPT can easily incorporate.

These numbers highlight more than just a shift in how developers find answers. They signal a cultural change: the collaborative spirit of sharing knowledge is being replaced by the convenience of quick, private solutions offered by AI tools.

Why Do Users Prefer ChatGPT?

The reason users are moving away from long-standing forums like Stack Overflow is simple: convenience. AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and GitHub Copilot provide instant answers, eliminating the need to navigate strict moderation rules or face potentially intimidating interactions on Stack Overflow.

As Santiago Valdarrama, founder of Tidely, pointed out, many developers now avoid Stack Overflow altogether because AI models deliver “better, faster answers.”

Moreover, AI tools are transforming how developers work, not only by answering questions but also by generating code directly. This shift eliminates the traditional process of searching for solutions, fundamentally altering the way developers learn and solve problems.

The “Reuse Paradox” in AI

This shift introduces what researchers call the “reuse paradox.” Models like ChatGPT rely on human-generated content from platforms like Stack Overflow to improve their accuracy. However, as more users rely on AI tools and fewer contribute new knowledge to forums, the flow of fresh content decreases. This lack of new input limits the models’ ability to improve and increases the risk of errors or hallucinations in their responses.

This feedback loop poses a significant challenge to the long-term usefulness of AI tools, particularly for the most widely used programming languages. Without a steady influx of new information, these models risk stagnation.

For Humans: Dependency and Declining Skills

The widespread use of AI tools raises concerns about over-reliance on automatically generated answers, which are often incomplete or inaccurate. This dependence can negatively impact the quality of code produced and hinder the development of critical problem-solving skills, especially for new programmers.

While Stack Overflow may be experiencing a decline, its role in fostering collective knowledge within the software development community remains essential and irreplaceable.

Beyond AI: Internal Challenges

Stack Overflow’s decline isn’t solely due to the rise of AI. The platform has long faced criticism for the hostile behavior of some members, which has deterred new users. Strict moderation policies and a perceived culture of elitism have also played a significant role in its waning popularity.

To stay relevant, Stack Overflow introduced initiatives like OverflowAI in partnership with OpenAI, aiming to integrate AI into its platform. However, this move feels more like a concession to the competition than a decisive strategy to reestablish its dominance.

Why Does It Matter?

Stack Overflow’s decline isn’t just a concern for developers — it reflects a broader transition towards a less open internet. As public knowledge is increasingly funneled into private databases, the risks are profound. This transition threatens to stagnate collective learning and forces greater reliance on paid services to access critical information, undermining the free exchange of knowledge that has long been a cornerstone of the internet.