Paper Type

Complete

Paper Number

PACIS2025-1428

Description

AIGC tools on online knowledge-sharing platforms threaten knowledge contributors. Prior studies have yet to reach a consensus. Based on the Protection Motivation Theory, this study uses the June 29, 2024 launch of an AIGC tool by Zhihu to explore how AIGC tools affect knowledge contributors and the coping strategies they adopt. Results show that after the AIGC tool was introduced, the total number of questions knowledge contributors needed to answer didn't change, but simple and informational questions decreased, complex questions and question complexity increased. Also, contributors received fewer likes. Different knowledge contributors adopted different strategies: Certified contributors adopted differentiation strategy. Uncertified and low-reputation contributors adopted avoidance strategies and received fewer likes. Informational contributors and high-reputation contributors used both avoidance and differentiation strategies. Socio-emotional contributors showed no significant behavioral changes. These findings offer theoretical and practical insights into understanding the impact of AIGC tools on contributors’ behavior in knowledge-sharing platforms.

Comments

HCI

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Jul 6th, 12:00 AM

Who is AI Taking Cake From? The Impact of the Introduction of AIGC tools on Knowledge Contributors' Behavior

AIGC tools on online knowledge-sharing platforms threaten knowledge contributors. Prior studies have yet to reach a consensus. Based on the Protection Motivation Theory, this study uses the June 29, 2024 launch of an AIGC tool by Zhihu to explore how AIGC tools affect knowledge contributors and the coping strategies they adopt. Results show that after the AIGC tool was introduced, the total number of questions knowledge contributors needed to answer didn't change, but simple and informational questions decreased, complex questions and question complexity increased. Also, contributors received fewer likes. Different knowledge contributors adopted different strategies: Certified contributors adopted differentiation strategy. Uncertified and low-reputation contributors adopted avoidance strategies and received fewer likes. Informational contributors and high-reputation contributors used both avoidance and differentiation strategies. Socio-emotional contributors showed no significant behavioral changes. These findings offer theoretical and practical insights into understanding the impact of AIGC tools on contributors’ behavior in knowledge-sharing platforms.