ChatGPT Is Killing Off These 4 Types of Websites

The internet has always been a constantly evolving space, and AI chatbots like ChatGPT are leading the latest wave of transformation. They are totally reshaping how users interact with websites and making certain types of websites obsolete in the process.

1 Programming Q&A Sites

ChatGPT has impacted traffic on several websites, with one of the biggest impacts on programming Q&A websites, such as Stack Overflow. Before ChatGPT, Stack Overflow was the go-to hub for programmers to troubleshoot tasks related to their code. However, now it’s entirely different; coders prefer to ask questions from ChatGPT, which, at one point in time, they used to post on Stack Overflow.

The reasons for this change are clear. ChatGPT is much faster, easier, and more interactive, especially when the questions are simple. For example, when I don’t understand a few lines of code, I prefer to ask ChatGPT, which guides me line by line, explaining what each line of code is doing. Additionally, I can ask it further to explain the concepts used or even ask follow-up questions.

Although the website has seen reduced traffic, this doesn’t mean Stack Overflow will be completely shut down; rather, it’s evolving. The site will eventually become a source of unique, in-depth answers that go beyond the generic responses that ChatGPT provides, especially when someone is looking for expert solutions to things created after the introduction of ChatGPT. Also, community interaction and engagement are something that chatbots can’t replicate.

So, while Stack Overflow’s traffic may have dropped, it’s still one of the best online communities for developers.

2 Search Engines

ChatGPT has posed a significant threat to Google’s search engine, which once enjoyed a rock-solid monopoly. You can see this from the above image, where Google Search traffic took a hit after the introduction of ChatGPT. The reasons are clear for this impact. Previously, finding information online involved visiting multiple web pages and sifting through content to locate what you needed—often taking hours.

However, with ChatGPT, you can get instant answers, especially for straightforward search queries. For example, if I’m looking for a particular recipe, I use ChatGPT. It’s a much better overall experience. I can even ask for alternative recipes if I am short on some ingredients.

Also, recently I was looking to buy a new mechanical keyboard, and couldn’t get my head around the different kinds of switches available. There are just so many of them. Instead of searching on Google, I asked ChatGPT about what different color switches are for, then provided it with the kind of feel I was looking for and my past preferences for keyboards. With this information, ChatGPT presented me with an explanation of different switches while also letting me know why I may like certain types.

It’s difficult to get this kind of interactivity level with just a Google search. Also, with the release of ChatGPT Search, traditional search engines feel even more outdated.

3 Online Tutoring Platforms

Similar to coding websites, tutoring sites such as Khan Academy and Chegg have also felt the impact of ChatGPT. There are several benefits to using ChatGPT for school-related tasks, especially with its ability to offer personalized tutoring that adapts to an individual’s prior knowledge and learning style.

For example, some people learn best through analogies or examples, while others prefer interactive activities and exercises. ChatGPT offers both kinds of teaching styles while also guiding them at every step.

I feel ChatGPT has blown fresh air in my learning process. Growing up, I often found school textbooks and traditional teaching methods limiting, and I used to go to YouTube to watch videos, but those were still difficult, especially with the pace and skill levels not matching. ChatGPT offers a solution to this problem, with its flexibility to adapt to each student’s skill level, pace, and areas of difficulty, making the learning experience more engaging. Students can ask ChatGPT to break down concepts into smaller parts or dive deeper into topics they find difficult.

4 Informational Websites (Wikipedia)

ChatGPT has also influenced informational websites like Wikipedia, which is popular for providing well-cited information from reliable sources. Although Wikipedia is an invaluable resource, it can feel like overkill when you’re looking for a quick answer. For example, if I want to know the top speed of birds, it’s much simpler to just ask ChatGPT. Additionally, you also get two-way interaction. You can ask follow-up questions, request clarifications, or receive explanations.

However, ChatGPT isn’t a total replacement for websites like Wikipedia, Stack Overflow, Khan Academy, and Google. These websites are still valuable for specific use cases, but for a more interactive experience, ChatGPT is taking the lead.