Empowering or Eroding Contributions? How Generative AI Impacts User-Generated Content Across Diverse Communities

Abstract

This study explores the impact of generative AI on user-generated content platforms. Unlike previous research that focused on programming-related or niche forums, this study evaluates how ChatGPT influences content creation on 250 subreddits in Reddit and examines how community characteristics moderate this effect. Our results show that ChatGPT's impact is heterogeneous, with some communities experiencing increases in content creation while others see declines. Communities with more objective topics experience more positive change in content creation, as ChatGPT likely lowers barriers for new users and potentially enhances content quality, which may encourage greater participation. Also, communities with more equal contributions experience a larger increase in content creation, as expert users may have greater incentives to utilize ChatGPT and potentially become more active. Conversely, communities with higher loyalty show a greater decline in content creation since regular and expert users tend to decrease their activity further, potentially due to concerns about diminished attention and recognition. These findings have important implications for platform managers and community moderators, as they can inform decisions about adopting either a welcoming or preventive approach to GenAI usage, depending on the specific characteristics of the communities they oversee.

Keywords: GenAI, Online Communities, Empowering or Eroding Contributions?