Stack Overflow was once the undisputed library of the internet, but a new wave of introspection suggests its decline was accelerated by its community culture. Recent discussions argue that the platform’s notorious hostility—specifically the aggressive moderation and the “RTFM” (Read The Manual) attitude—alienated users long before AI chatbots arrived.
While tools like ChatGPT offer instant, judgment-free answers, the appeal isn’t just speed; it’s the absence of condescension. Developers are now realizing that they didn’t just switch to LLMs for efficiency, but to escape the anxiety of being publicly shamed for asking “duplicate” questions. Ultimately, the article suggests that Stack Overflow isn’t a victim of AI progress, but a victim of its own toxic failure to foster a welcoming learning environment.
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