Artificial Intelligence is reshaping how people search for, consume, and create knowledge. But how is it affecting the Wikimedia movement? Members from the Malayalam Wikimedia community recently shared their views through a quick survey conducted in a WhatsApp group where editors and organizers actively engage.
Survey on AI and Wikipedia
The survey explored how community members perceive AI’s impact on Wikipedia editing and usage. The results reveal both opportunities and concerns:
AI tools and Wikipedia editing: Out of 12 respondents, 10 supported the use of AI tools to assist with editing. Only 1 opposed, while 1 remained neutral.
AI for rewriting content: There was overwhelming support here, with 12 members agreeing that AI can help rewrite content for Wikipedia. Only one person preferred manual rewriting.
Sources for instant information: When asked where they go for quick information, responses were split—6 members use AI tools, 6 use Google, and only 2 reported turning to Wikipedia first.
What Does This Mean?
The responses suggest that while the Malayalam community is open to experimenting with AI in editing and rewriting, there’s a real concern about how AI might reduce the direct usage of Wikipedia as a knowledge source. The shift toward AI and Google for instant answers shows a challenge Wikimedia faces: staying relevant in a world where information is increasingly consumed through summarized, AI-driven platforms.
Looking Ahead
For Wikimedia to thrive in the AI era, communities may need to:
Develop guidelines for responsible use of AI in editing.
Encourage contributors to combine AI tools with human judgment and reliable sourcing.
Explore new ways of presenting knowledge that match the changing habits of readers.
The Malayalam Wikimedia community’s reflections highlight both the hope and caution in embracing AI—an issue that resonates far beyond one language group and speaks to the future of the Wikimedia movement as a whole.
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