Wikipedia, often described as one of the last reliable corners of the internet, is seeing a decline in human traffic, dropping 8% year-over-year, according to a blog post by Marshall Miller of the Wikimedia Foundation. The foundation, which separates bot and human traffic, noted that unusually high traffic in May and June was largely from bots designed to evade detection.
Miller attributes the decline to broader trends in information-seeking, particularly the rise of generative AI and social video platforms. “Search engines are increasingly using generative AI to provide answers directly to searchers rather than linking to sites like ours,” he explained. Younger generations are also turning to social video platforms for information instead of the open web. (Google has disputed the claim that AI summaries reduce Wikipedia traffic.)
Despite the drop in visits, Miller emphasised that Wikipedia’s content continues to reach audiences in new ways, and the platform remains important for knowledge dissemination. Wikipedia had even experimented with AI-generated summaries, but paused the effort following editor concerns.
However, the traffic decline presents risks. Fewer visitors may lead to fewer volunteers contributing to content and fewer donors supporting the encyclopedia. Miller highlighted that some volunteers are highly dedicated, including an editor who reportedly helped disarm a gunman at a recent conference.
To address these challenges, Wikipedia is encouraging companies that use its content to drive users to the site, while also developing a framework for content attribution. Two dedicated teams are focused on expanding Wikipedia’s readership, and the platform continues to seek volunteers to help grow and maintain content.
Miller also urged readers to support “content integrity and content creation” by checking citations and engaging with original sources. “The content underlying generative AI was created by real people who deserve their support,” he wrote, encouraging awareness of trusted, human-curated knowledge.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter |The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Whatsapp Channel | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Instagram
About us:
The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News is a premier platform dedicated to delivering latest news, updates, and insights from the tech industry. With its strong foundation of intellectual property and thought leadership, the platform is well-positioned to stay ahead of the curve and lead conversations about how technology shapes our world. From its early days as CIO News to its rebranding as The Mainstream on November 28, 2024, it has been expanding its global reach, targeting key markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, the USA, and the UK. The Mainstream is a vision to put technology at the center of every conversation, inspiring professionals and organizations to embrace the future of tech.
