AI and the Future of Online Communities: The Transformative Impact in 2025

Key Takeaways

Unlock how AI is revolutionizing online communities with practical strategies that elevate engagement, safety, and growth in 2025 and beyond. These insights help you harness AI-driven tools to transform your community management today.

• AI powers efficient moderation by automating spam filtering, hate speech detection, and misinformation control, reducing human workload and boosting response speed by up to 50%.
• Advanced AI moderation balances automation with human oversight through contextual analysis and behavior recognition, creating safer spaces while preserving fairness and transparency.
• Personalization fuels engagement by delivering hyper-relevant content based on user behavior, but requires deliberate diversity controls to prevent echo chambers and polarization.
• AI-generated avatars and content add vibrancy and 24/7 activity to communities—provided platforms maintain clear labeling and authenticity safeguards to build user trust.
• Content creation is essential for community engagement and growth, as producing high-quality and user-generated content not only differentiates your community but also boosts visibility in search engine optimization (SEO) and strengthens online connections.
• Maintaining authenticity amid growing AI contributions demands verification systems, transparent AI labeling, and emphasizing human storytelling to preserve community health.
• AI analytics predict trends and optimize resource allocation, enabling you to spot rising influencers, forecast engagement spikes, and act on data-driven insights that grow your community faster.
• Emerging AI collaboration tools boost creativity and reduce project times by up to 30%, while ethical AI design enhances user retention and supports sustainable, transparent community growth.

Dive deeper into how AI unlocks new potential for online communities by reading the full article—equip your team to lead confidently in the AI-powered social era.

Introduction

Imagine managing an online community where toxic posts are filtered instantly, engagement thrives, and members feel genuinely connected—all without burning out your moderation team.

By 2025, AI is not just a futuristic concept; it’s woven into the fabric of how communities grow, stay safe, and spark meaningful conversations. These interactions increasingly take place within a virtual world, where digital environments shape how users connect and collaborate.

If you’re running a startup or scaling a platform, understanding how artificial intelligence transforms online spaces—especially online knowledge community dynamics—isn’t just cool tech talk—it’s a strategic advantage that lets you move faster, smarter, and safer.

This article breaks down how artificial intelligence is reshaping key areas like:

• Automating moderation tasks to cut down on spam and harmful content
• Crafting personalized user experiences that boost engagement and retention
• Managing the rise of AI-generated content and virtual personas with transparency
• Predicting community growth with data-driven analytics
• Navigating challenges like authenticity, inclusivity, and echo chambers
• Understanding shifts in online knowledge community dynamics

You’ll find practical insights for balancing innovation and human connection—helping you build a community that’s both dynamic and trustworthy.

As AI takes a front-seat role, it’s reshaping the very rules of community management. What used to take hours now happens in seconds, letting you focus on what matters—creating value and genuine connections.

Next, we’ll explore how AI-driven tools are handling the heavy lifting in moderation and safety, setting the stage for communities that thrive without compromise.

The Role of AI in Modern Online Community Management

AI is no longer a future concept—it’s embedded in everyday online community management by 2025. From automating moderation to enhancing safety, AI tools are becoming the backbone of digital social spaces. Community platforms are rapidly evolving with the integration of AI technologies, including generative AI technologies. Many of these tools are developed by leading ai companies, which train large language models on vast datasets from online platforms. Natural language processing is a core technique enabling AI to understand and moderate content in online communities, allowing for more curated, skill-building environments and transforming how users interact and share knowledge.

Streamlining Moderation Workflows

AI-driven platforms handle routine moderation tasks like spam filtering, hate speech detection, and misinformation mitigation with impressive speed and accuracy. This automation dramatically reduces the workload on human managers, letting them focus on strategy and member engagement rather than firefighting. However, human moderation remains essential for nuanced cases that require context and empathy, as AI may not fully grasp subtle meanings or cultural sensitivities. Bias in AI moderation reflects the data it is trained on, leading to potential issues in content moderation that require careful oversight and continuous improvement.

Here’s what AI handles automatically:

• Spam filtering: Blocks repetitive, irrelevant, or harmful messages instantly
• Hate speech detection: Flags toxic language using contextual awareness
• Misinformation mitigation: Identifies and limits the spread of false or misleading content

These functions create safer, more welcoming environments without slowing down community conversations.

Top AI Moderation Tools to Know

Many startups and enterprises now rely on AI-powered moderation platforms that integrate with popular community software. Notable platforms include:

• ModSquad AI: Combines automated flags with human moderators
• Crisp Thinking: Real-time detection of harmful content and behavior
• Hootsuite Insights: Advanced sentiment analysis for community health

Want to see a full list? Check out “7 Cutting-Edge AI Tools Revolutionizing Online Community Management” for more.

Real-World Impact in Action

Picture this: A gaming community with thousands of daily posts uses AI bots to block spam and swat down hate speech before it reaches the moderators. The result? 50% faster response times and a drop in toxic interactions that boosts player retention.

Similarly, a startup forum saw a 30% decrease in misinformation spread after integrating AI moderation, allowing moderators more time to foster meaningful discussions. Recent experimental evidence from peer-reviewed studies demonstrates that AI-driven moderation leads to measurable improvements in moderation efficiency and overall community health, supporting these real-world outcomes.

Quotable insight: “AI frees up moderators to do what humans do best—connecting with users and cultivating community culture.”

AI is no longer just a helper; it’s becoming the frontline defender and efficiency multiplier in online community management.

By automating key moderation tasks, delivering safer experiences, and empowering human moderators, AI unlocks new levels of scalability and responsiveness for online communities ready to grow in 2025 and beyond.

Enhancing Safety and Inclusivity Through AI-Powered Moderation

AI moderation is evolving beyond simple keyword filters to detect nuanced harmful content like subtle harassment, hate speech disguised as sarcasm, or coded language.

Effective AI moderation can help break down geographic and hierarchical boundaries, making communities more inclusive and accessible to diverse participants.

Modern platforms use machine learning models trained on vast datasets to identify these complex signals in real time, dramatically improving community health. A strong social fabric within online knowledge communities helps them remain resilient to disruptions caused by AI technologies, supporting sustained participation and counteracting negative effects of AI displacement. Overcoming hierarchical boundaries is also key to fostering sustained engagement.

Smart Detection and Prevention

AI tools employ a combination of strategies to reduce toxicity and protect users:

• Contextual analysis to understand message intent, not just keywords
• Behavioral pattern recognition to flag repeat offenders early
• Real-time intervention to prevent harassment before it escalates

These approaches have helped communities cut down toxic interactions by up to 35%, boosting member retention and engagement.

Balancing Automation with Human Touch

While AI can manage routine moderation at scale, human oversight remains crucial to ensure fairness and context-sensitive decisions. Preserving authentic human interaction in moderation processes is essential to maintain genuine, meaningful connections within online communities.

Best practices include:

• Reviewing AI-flagged content with trained moderators
• Setting clear appeal processes for users
• Continuously retraining AI models with real-world feedback to reduce biases

For example, Reddit combines AI moderation bots with community volunteer moderators to keep discussions respectful without stifling genuine conversations.

Ethical AI Use Builds Trust

Transparency about how AI moderation works is key to user trust. Communities that openly communicate moderation policies and explain AI decisions experience:

• Higher user confidence
• Reduced backlash over mistaken content removals
• Stronger community norms around respect and inclusion

Platforms adopting ethical moderation reflect a growing trend toward fair and accountable AI, recognizing the balance between safety and free expression.

Quotable insights:

• "AI-powered moderation isn't about replacing humans—it's about giving them tools to protect communities more effectively."
• "Smart moderation identifies not just what’s said, but how it impacts the people reading it."
• "Transparency in AI builds community trust, turning moderation from a black box into a shared value."

Picture this: an AI bot quietly filtering out hate comments moments after they’re posted, giving a moderator time to focus on engaging members and creating value rather than firefighting negativity.

Ensuring safety and inclusivity through responsible AI moderation is no longer optional—it’s essential for thriving online communities in 2025 and beyond.

Personalization as a Catalyst for Engagement and Retention

AI algorithms in 2025 are not just smart; they’re laser-focused on delivering hyper-relevant content that keeps users coming back. By analyzing browsing habits, interaction histories, and even time spent on content, AI creates personalized feeds that feel like they were made just for you.

Organizations are increasingly bringing communities to the center of their business strategies, recognizing their role as strategic hubs for engagement and growth.

Personalized recommendations in online communities boost engagement rates, member retention, and overall platform health. Community engagement is now recognized as a crucial metric for measuring the success and vitality of these platforms. Users often participate in online communities for more than just information retrieval, seeking social connections that foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Beyond information, users value the social stories and experiences shared by fellow members, which enrich the community dynamic and create deeper connections. Open communities play a key role in facilitating broad participation and knowledge sharing, ensuring that valuable insights remain accessible to all members.

Why personalization matters

At its core, personalization taps into the psychology of belonging. When users see content tailored to their interests and needs, they feel recognized and valued. This emotional connection fuels deeper engagement and longer community participation.

Visualize scrolling through a community platform where every post and discussion bubble matches your vibe — that’s the magic AI crafts to boost stickiness.

How AI personalizes experiences

This customization happens through:

• Behavioral data analysis: AI tracks clicks, likes, and time spent to learn preferences.
• Content recommendation engines: These suggest posts, events, or groups aligned with your interests.
• Adaptive user journeys: The platform adjusts what you see next based on your real-time actions.

For example, a startup founder joining a niche forum might instantly get resource recommendations and connection invites tailored to their business stage — speeding up meaningful interactions.

Watch out for echo chambers

Personalized feeds can backfire by creating echo chambers, where users see only like-minded views. This limits exposure to diverse opinions, which is essential for vibrant communities.

Users of online communities value not only information but also the social stories and experiences shared by fellow members. To counterbalance, AI must:

To counterbalance, AI must:

• Incorporate diversity signals in recommendation algorithms.
• Blend personalized content with broader trending topics.
• Encourage users to explore new perspectives through prompts or curated surprises.

Quick wins to apply now

Audit your community’s personalization settings for bias or over-narrow focus.

Use AI-driven tools that allow manual tweaks to diversify feed content.

Monitor engagement metrics to ensure tailored content is boosting, not isolating, members.

“Personalization is the secret sauce for turning passive visitors into active community champions.”

“Imagine your user’s experience as a custom playlist — AI is the DJ, constantly remixing tracks to keep the party alive.”

By smartly harnessing AI for personalized experiences, communities boost engagement rates, member retention, and overall platform health without sacrificing inclusivity.

For a deeper dive on these strategies, check out Personalized Content Moderation and Emergent Outcomes.

Emergence and Impact of AI-Generated Content and Virtual Users

AI-generated avatars and digital personas are rapidly becoming a core part of online community interaction in 2025. These virtual users mimic human behaviors, contributing posts, comments, and creative content across platforms.

In online programming communities, snippet programming—sharing small code snippets—has long been a key method for knowledge sharing, and now AI-generated content is increasingly contributing to this practice. Developer communities are particularly impacted by the rise of AI-generated users, as these communities rely heavily on authentic knowledge exchange and collaborative problem-solving.

Why AI-Generated Users Matter Today

• Boost entertainment and creativity by offering fresh, engaging interactions
• Capture the attention of younger demographics who crave novel experiences
• Enable 24/7 activity, keeping communities lively outside traditional hours

Picture this: scrolling through your favorite forum and encountering an AI "user" who shares relevant tips or sparks witty conversations, making the space feel alive and dynamic.

The Flip Side: Risks and Responsibilities

Despite benefits, AI-generated content opens doors to challenges:

• Misinformation risks: AI can unintentionally spread false or misleading content
• Authenticity concerns: Users may struggle to distinguish real contributors from bots
• Platforms must implement clear labeling policies to identify AI-created posts

For instance, Meta envisages social media filled with AI-generated users includes AI personas equipped with bios and photos—yet requires transparent tagging to maintain trust.

Navigating User Trust and Platform Responses

Community trust hinges on transparency. Reddit exemplifies proactive strategies by:

Enforcing human verification to preserve genuine voices

Restricting unlabeled AI content to minimize confusion

Collaborating with moderators to balance automation and authenticity

This approach highlights the tightrope between innovation and community integrity.

Finding the Sweet Spot: Innovation Meets Integrity

Building exciting AI-driven features is just half the battle. Success lies in:

• Maintaining transparency to keep users informed
• Ensuring AI enhances, not replaces, human connection
• Developing policies that foster trust while encouraging experimentation

In short, AI-generated content should complement—not compromise—the human fabric of online communities.

AI avatars and personas are reshaping digital interaction by adding depth and energy — but keeping it real is what will sustain healthy communities through 2025 and beyond.

Quotable Insights:

• "AI users can make forums feel alive anytime, anywhere — but transparency keeps the conversation authentic."
• "Platforms that blend AI creativity with honest labeling build trust, not suspicion."
• "The future of online communities balances innovation on one side, and human connection on the other."

Navigating the Challenges of Authenticity and Community Health

The rise of AI-generated content is reshaping online conversations—blurring lines between real human input and automated contributions. Online communities lacking social fabric are suffering the most due to the rise of generative AI, as they struggle to maintain engagement and meaningful interactions. This shift impacts content quality, knowledge sharing, and user participation in significant ways.

Some platforms have seen drops in original posts and engagement, especially in technically focused communities where AI excels at answering questions. For instance, Stack Overflow has seen a 12% reduction in average daily web visits since the introduction of ChatGPT. ChatGPT's effect on Stack Overflow is evident in changes to user behavior, with newer, less experienced users reducing participation and the complexity of questions increasing, particularly in topics with abundant training data. Studies comparing two online programming communities, such as Stack Overflow and Reddit developer forums, show that while both facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration, their participation patterns differ. When examining the same sets of technology topics across Reddit and Stack Overflow, engagement patterns diverge, with Reddit communities maintaining stronger social bonds and being less affected by generative AI due to their emphasis on social interactions and shared interests. Communities that prioritize social interaction, like Reddit communities, tend to be less affected by generative AI tools, as their focus on human connection fosters resilience against these shifts. A similar dynamic could emerge in other online knowledge communities as generative AI becomes more prevalent, potentially leading to declines in participation and shifts in content complexity. This eroding influence of generative AI on content production and engagement is becoming more apparent as users increasingly rely on AI for information instead of contributing themselves. As a result, many communities are experiencing negative impacts, such as decreased participation, lower contribution quality, and potential declines in community vitality. Understanding developer communities is crucial to anticipate and address these shifts in engagement and content quality.

Maintaining Authenticity Amid AI Growth

Platforms can protect community health by adopting:

• Verification systems that distinguish human contributions from AI-generated ones
• Mixed moderation models, blending automated tools with human oversight
• Transparency policies making AI involvement clear to users

Reddit’s recent push to “stay human” illustrates the power of combining verification and mixed moderation to preserve trust and genuine interaction. Human social connections are essential for sustaining community engagement, as they foster solidarity and a sense of belonging that generative AI cannot replicate.

The Impact on Community Sustainability

Recent studies reveal communities overloaded with AI content often face:

• Declines in user participation rates, sometimes dropping over 30% in active contribution, especially in technically focused communities where AI excels at answering questions; communities centered on pure information exchange are particularly vulnerable to this decline. Younger, newer users are the most likely to exit online communities due to the availability of generative AI tools, as they may find AI-generated answers sufficient for their needs. The volume of questions posted per week on Stack Overflow declined by more than 10% for popular topics after ChatGPT's release.
• Reduced knowledge diversity as AI-generated content crowds out nuanced discussions
• Challenges in maintaining a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere

Picture a lively forum slowly becoming silent as AI answers replace human voices—that’s the risk at stake. However, communities like Reddit, which have a stronger social fabric, did not experience declines in user engagement after ChatGPT's release. This highlights the importance of fostering robust social connections to maintain active participation and meaningful interactions.

Strategic Approaches to Preserve Human-Centric Values

To keep communities thriving, leaders should:

Invest in clear AI content labeling to boost transparency

Encourage human storytelling and personal experiences that AI can’t replicate

Regularly audit content quality and engagement metrics to detect early signs of imbalance

This proactive stance keeps the community feeling relatable and relevant without stifling AI-driven efficiency.

Shareable insights:

• "Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the backbone of sustainable online communities in the AI era."
• "Verification systems aren’t optional; they're critical to keeping trust alive amid rising AI contributions."
• "Human voices add texture and depth that AI can’t mimic—don’t let them go silent."
• "Generative AI models like ChatGPT can provide answers but often produce confident yet incorrect responses, highlighting the need for human oversight and verification."

Mastering authenticity means balancing AI’s power with human connection, ensuring online communities grow healthier and more resilient in 2025 and beyond.

AI’s Influence on Community Dynamics and Polarization Risks

A preliminary comparative analysis of different online communities reveals how AI-driven personalization can lead to varying degrees of polarization and fragmentation.

Personalized content moderation is a double-edged sword. While it tailors user experiences, it can also create echo chambers where people see only what confirms their views. This limits exposure to diverse perspectives, risking community polarization and reduced shared understanding. Encouraging cross geographic collaboration is essential for maintaining community cohesion and ensuring that knowledge and perspectives flow across different regions.

The Hidden Costs of Personalization

Three main consequences arise from overly personalized moderation:

• Asymmetric information loss: Users miss out on broader discussions and critical viewpoints.
• Fragmented communities: Conversations splinter into isolated groups that rarely interact.
• Erosion of trust: Reduced transparency fosters suspicion and division among members.

Picture a community where each member lives in their own bubble—conversations become shallow, and conflicts deepen without common ground.

Using AI to Bridge Divides

AI analytics aren't just for crafting echo chambers—they can also help detect early signs of community strain. Platforms can:

Monitor shifts in language tone and sentiment to catch brewing conflicts.

Identify clusters of users showing opposing views but limited interaction.

Flag conversation patterns that suggest polarization or exclusion.

Armed with these insights, community managers can intervene early to foster inclusive dialogue before divisions harden.

Practical Strategies to Balance Personalization and Diversity

To prevent fragmentation, smart AI-driven approaches include:

• Curating mixed-content feeds that balance personalized topics with diverse viewpoints.
• Designing prompts and nudges encouraging respectful debate and cross-group interaction.
• Incorporating human oversight to check AI biases and maintain fairness.

Metrics like engagement diversity and cross-cluster conversations become key health indicators.

Memorable takeaways for your community today:

• “Echo chambers aren’t just an algorithm byproduct—they’re a call to action for better AI design.”
• “AI tools that spot early community fractures let you fix divisions, not just manage symptoms.”
• “Balancing personalization with diversity is less about technology and more about intentional strategy.”

Imagine your platform as a bustling town square where everyone feels heard—not a collection of isolated corners. Using AI thoughtfully can keep your community vibrant, diverse, and resilient as it scales.

This approach balances personalization’s convenience with the richness of diverse thought, safeguarding community health in an increasingly AI-driven digital world.

Harnessing AI Analytics to Predict and Accelerate Community Growth

AI-driven analytics are becoming game-changers for online communities, offering sharp insights to forecast trends and gauge engagement health in real time. Robust information systems play a crucial role in supporting these analytics by enabling efficient data collection, management, and dissemination across digital platforms.

Imagine spotting your next top influencer before they even hit 1,000 followers or knowing exactly which topics will ignite lively discussion next week. The accuracy of these AI-driven predictions often depends on the quality and quantity of training data used to develop the underlying models. AI makes that possible.

Forecasting Growth with Precision

Here’s how AI analytics sharpen your strategy:

• Trend prediction: Analyzes content spikes and user behavior patterns to forecast emerging interests.
• Engagement metrics: Tracks post interactions, active user intervals, and sentiment to measure community vitality.
• Health monitoring: Detects early warnings like declining activity or rising toxicity for quick action.

These capabilities turn guesswork into data-backed decisions that help you stay ahead.

Optimizing Content and Community Resources

AI’s insights equip you to:

• Prioritize content themes that resonate most, boosting participation.
• Identify rising micro-influencers who can amplify your reach organically.
• Allocate moderation and support resources dynamically based on community demands.

For example, a gaming startup used AI models to shift focus to a new game genre just as it surged in popularity, increasing user engagement by 34% in two months.

Actionable AI-Powered Tactics

Use these quick wins from AI analytics:

Spot conversation hotspots to seed discussions or events.

Monitor sentiment shifts for timely interventions.

Predict churn risks and personalize re-engagement campaigns.

Visualize this:

Your dashboard lights up with alerts on a trending topic, and you get recommendations on which community members to engage as champions. You can almost feel the pulse of your community accelerating under your fingertips.

AI analytics don’t just reveal what happened—they show what’s next.

Harnessing these insights is like giving your community a smart compass and a turbo boost for growth.

For a deep dive into maximizing these tools, explore “Mastering AI Analytics to Predict and Enhance Online Community Growth.”

Sharpen your strategy with AI—watch trends before they peak, rally your community around what counts, and scale smarter, not harder.

The Future Landscape: AI Innovations Transforming Social Platforms

The online community experience is poised for a dramatic shift by 2025, thanks to major AI breakthroughs reshaping how we connect and collaborate. Computer supported cooperative work is playing a crucial role in enabling these innovations, allowing digital tools to facilitate seamless collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Picture this: platforms where AI smartly enhances every interaction, making communities faster, smarter, and more personal without losing that human spark. Social computing is driving the evolution of these online community experiences, fostering deeper engagement and collective problem-solving.

Behind these advancements, computer scientists are instrumental in developing the sophisticated AI tools that power next-generation online communities. Recent research from Boston University and the Questrom School of Business has contributed valuable insights into AI's impact on online communities, further informing the development of these technologies. As public platforms face challenges with generative AI, smaller and private communities will flourish as people seek control over their interactions and content. These spaces offer a more curated and secure environment, fostering deeper connections and trust among members.

Emerging Innovations Driving Social Community Evolution

Key innovations on the horizon include:

• Advanced collaborative tools that enable seamless, real-time teamwork with AI assistance
• AI-powered collective intelligence systems that surface the best ideas across communities
• Enhancements in real-time interaction—think instant language translation, mood detection, and personalized conversation starters

These tools don’t replace people; they amplify human creativity and group problem-solving to create richer, more engaging digital spaces.

Blending Human Creativity with AI Augmentation

Envision co-creating content where AI offers fresh ideas, edits intelligently, or even generates dynamic, personalized experiences on the fly.

This blend empowers community members to contribute more meaningfully, boosting participation and satisfaction.

Practical takeaway: startups and SMBs should explore integrating AI-powered collaboration plugins today to future-proof their community strategies.

Ethical Innovation and Sustainable AI-First Design

As AI transforms social platforms, ethical design and sustainability are front and center.

Expect more platforms adopting:

• Clear guidelines on AI transparency and user consent
• Features that prevent addictive use patterns, ensuring healthy digital habits
• Energy-efficient AI models, aligning with growing environmental priorities
• Privacy will become a defining characteristic and value proposition for online platforms as public content becomes less appealing. This shift reflects users' growing desire for secure, controlled environments where their interactions and data are protected.

These commitments build trust, essential for long-term community health and user loyalty.

Quick Insights to Watch Now

• AI-fueled collaborative tools can reduce project turnaround times by up to 30%.
• Platforms focusing on ethical AI design see 15% higher user retention within six months.
• Early adoption of AI collective intelligence features boosts content relevance, increasing engagement rates by 20-25%.

Imagine your community powered by insights that spot trends before they explode or AI that helps your members break creative roadblocks instantly.

Trying these emerging AI tools isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about leading your community into a new era of smarter, more connected social interaction where human and AI strengths multiply.

The future is flexible, fast, and focused on building value that feels deeply human—even through the lens of AI.

Conclusion

AI is no longer just a futuristic buzzword — it’s the engine driving smarter, safer, and more engaging online communities in 2025. By automating moderation, personalizing experiences, and amplifying human creativity, AI empowers you to build digital spaces that truly connect, scale, and thrive.

To harness this potential, focus on integrating AI tools that balance automation with authentic human connection while maintaining transparency and ethical use. The future belongs to communities that combine data-driven insights with purposeful inclusivity.

Here are your essential next moves:

• Adopt AI-driven moderation to free your team from routine tasks and focus on culture-building
• Use personalization wisely by mixing tailored content with diverse perspectives to avoid echo chambers
• Implement clear policies for transparency around AI-generated content to maintain user trust
• Leverage AI analytics to predict trends and identify engagement hotspots before they grow
• Commit to ongoing evaluation, combining AI’s speed with human judgment to preserve community health

Start by auditing your current tools and workflows, then pilot AI solutions that align with your unique community goals. Involve your moderators and users early to build confidence and refine your approach.

Your community is more than data points — it’s a living, evolving ecosystem. Let AI be the co-pilot that accelerates growth without sacrificing the human spark that keeps members coming back.

Embrace the AI revolution in online communities not just to keep pace, but to shape a future where connection is smarter, faster, and deeply authentic.

“AI unlocks the door, but it’s your vision and heart that welcome every member home.”

For future work, researchers and practitioners should explore the long-term effects of generative AI on community participation and knowledge production, develop policies for AI use in knowledge sharing and training, and study the effectiveness of AI usage bans on organizational practices.