Wikipedia Traffic Plummets 8% Amid Rise of AI-Powered Search and Social Video

Wikipedia Sees Decline in Human Traffic Amid Rise of AI Search Summaries and Social Video According to a recent blog post by Marshall Miller, the Wikimedia Foundation's executive director, human pageviews on Wikipedia have fallen 8% year-over-year. The decline is attributed to the increasing use of generative AI and social media, which are changing how people seek information. Miller notes that the foundation has seen an increase in traffic from bots designed to evade detection, particularly during May and June. This was revealed after an update to Wikipedia's bot detection systems. The foundation welcomes new ways for people to gain knowledge but is concerned about the impact of these trends on its mission. The decline in human traffic is not surprising given the rise of AI-powered search engines that provide direct answers to users, bypassing websites like Wikipedia. Google has disputed claims that AI summaries reduce traffic from search, but Miller's observations suggest otherwise. Wikipedia's struggles reflect broader cultural shifts. Younger generations are increasingly turning to social video platforms for information, rather than the open web. This shift is driven by the desire for instant gratification and visual content. "This is a wake-up call for all of us who care about knowledge and education," said Miller in an interview. "We need to adapt to these changes and find new ways to make our content accessible and relevant to people's lives." The Wikimedia Foundation has been working to improve its detection systems and develop strategies to engage with users who are increasingly accustomed to AI-driven information. As the internet continues to evolve, Wikipedia's challenges highlight the importance of preserving high-quality online resources. The foundation is committed to ensuring that knowledge remains accessible and accurate in a rapidly changing digital landscape. The decline in human traffic on Wikipedia serves as a reminder of the need for innovation and adaptation in the face of technological advancements. As Miller noted, "We're not just fighting against bots; we're also trying to stay relevant in a world where people are getting their information from different sources." In response to these changes, the Wikimedia Foundation is exploring new ways to engage with users, including partnerships with social media platforms and the development of AI-powered tools that can help users navigate complex topics. The future of Wikipedia remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the foundation's commitment to preserving knowledge and promoting education will continue to be essential in a world where information is increasingly fragmented and biased. *Reporting by Techcrunch.*