Xinyao Liu Coco

Xinyao Liu Advising Report

Introduction

With the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, Wikipedia now faces both challenges and opportunities in incorporating this tool into editing. Since Wikipedia’s goal is to provide accurate, community-driven information, integrating AI requires careful consideration and well-thought-out solutions. AI has the potential to streamline editing processes by assisting in areas like brainstorming and copyediting, which could lower barriers for new contributors and improve efficiency for experienced editors. However, AI integration also raises concerns about maintaining accuracy and neutrality, which depend largely on how editors use it and whether it is used appropriately.

This report explores two primary ways AI can support Wikipedia: helping with brainstorming and improving copyediting quality. The report also proposes guidelines for responsible AI use and training for editors. With clear policies, AI can enhance content creation and quality, reinforcing Wikipedia’s standards.

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Many online communities like wikipedia and StackOverflow face challenges with underproduction, where important topics lack depth because of low contributor engagement (Hill, 2024).In our course, we discussed the utility model of motivation, which explains that participation can be increased by lowering costs to make the process easier, or increasing benefits that make it more rewarding(Hill, 2024). AI-based brainstorming tools align well with this concept by reducing the initial effort and challenge to start an article, effectively lowering the “cost” of contribution.  This is because AI tools, such as ChatGPT and Bing Chat, can now be used as effective brainstorming assistants for Wikipedia editors, providing structured suggestions and overviews on various ideas. Additionally, these tools understand basic Wikipedia policies, advising users on policies of using neutral tone, reliable sourcing, and avoiding plagiarism. From my experience, this feature can help new editors who struggle with knowing where to start feel more at ease and less stressed. I used Bing Chat to brainstorm for my article on Douzhi, it offered various ideas and helpful links to Wikipedia guidelines, making my editing process both faster and clearer. This can be particularly beneficial for newcomers, as AI lowers the barriers to editing by simplifying the early stages of content creation and helping users quickly access relevant rules, which further attracts newcomers to the community. However, AI should be used only for generating ideas, not creating actual content. Since AI can sometimes produce unreliable or made-up references, editors should view its suggestions as starting points that need careful checking. This way, Wikipedia editors can use AI to work more efficiently while keeping the information accurate and reliable.

Besides brainstorming, AI is also helpful for copyediting. It can fix the grammar errors, and improve the quality of articles. This also refers to the utility model, where lowering the barriers for contributors can make participation more manageable. AI acts as a peer reviewer, helping editors in refining the article and better improving. However, Since AI largely relies on prompt engineering, having the most satisfied answers largely depends on prompt quality. For this reason,  learning to interact with AI effectively is very important to achieving the best results. While AI makes editing easier, it could risk decreasing the unique contribution of active editors. This brings challenges related to crowding-out theory, where external rewards such as the ease provided by AI copy editing might undermine intrinsic motivation(Hill,2024).As referred to intrinsic motivation, where individuals participate because they purely enjoy the activity or feel connected to the community’s mission with their interests (Hill,2024).This is different from extrinsic motivation where based on external rewards. Over reliance on AI might potentially reduce intrinsic motivation particularly for experienced editors who find meanings in human editing might feel AI replaces their value which AI cannot fully learn and replicate. Therefore, while AI helps encourage newcomer participation by lowering editing barriers, it might lead to potential devaluing of the contributions of editors who find meaning in human driven editing. Having a balance between AI assistance and human input is very important to not only support newcomers, also to respect the contributions of long-term editors who add depth and authenticity to Wikipedia’s community.

Based on the potential benefit of incorporating AI into editing, setting clear rules of AI usage on Wikipedia is essential to form a cohesive community. Socialization, which involves newcomers learning the norms, rules, and roles of the community, helps guid user behavior by providing clear guidelines or instructions(Hill,2024).As AI is new to many people ,having guidance on AI usage would give editors straightforward steps on how to use it effectively, In AI such as using small edits on languages, but not copy the entire content creation. This method can prevent the misuse of AI and support editors in using it responsibly. The WikiEd curriculum we studied offers practical guidance on editing, teaching users how to create quality content that follows Wikipedia’s rules and norms(Hill,2014).Similarly, adding a section for responsible AI use could help editors see AI as a tool to support their thinking, not a content generator. Guidelines could include using AI for brainstorming, requiring human review for AI edits, ensuring transparency in AI contributions, and offering suggested prompts for accurate answers. These measures would help new and experienced editors understand appropriate AI use, minimizing errors and strengthening community standards.

In addition, to solve the problem that  AI might reduce human contributions, Wikipedia could create a community based discussion board for AI related questions and discussions. where people don’t feel isolated and cold using AI. Take the Tea house case we discussed as an example, where newcomers can ask questions and receive personalized support from experience editors, which forms a sense of supportive community and encouragement(Hill,2024). By having a welcoming environment, those unfamiliar with AI can receive guidance from experienced editors, feeling more supported and valued. Instead of completely restricting AI use, the tools are likely to play a larger role in future editing, educating people on how to use them wisely will be more effective. Step-by-step training, tutorial videos, and clear policies would make AI use accessible and make sure it meet with Wikipedia’s mission.

Conclusion

Looking ahead, as AI evolves, it will become even more useful as models advance and technology improves. Beyond providing structured outlines and copyediting, AI will likely reveal new potential applications. Learning effective ways to use AI in editing should be a key focus for Wikipedia. AI can serve as a valuable tool if Wikipedia develops detailed and practical guidelines that guide people to use AI effectively. This approach will attract more newcomers by lowering the barriers to entry, helping the platform to engage more active editors. Additionally, fostering a community feedback system where editors can share best practices and report challenges with AI is helpful, which ensures that AI tools support rather than replace human contributions. By embracing technological change, Wikipedia will benefit from a transformative new era of editing.

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