The web has always been moving. Every few years, new technologies come out that change how people read, learn, and enjoy material. The rise of OpenAI's ChatGPT, a talking AI, is turning out to be one of the most important changes of the last ten years. It's not just changing how people talk to each other online; it's also messing up whole groups of websites.

ChatGPT has become a go-to tool for information retrieval, code assistance, learning support, and quick knowledge lookups. Its ability to offer fast, conversational, and tailored responses means it often provides a better user experience than many traditional websites.

While it won’t eliminate these platforms, ChatGPT is undoubtedly reducing their traffic and relevance. Here are 7 types of websites currently facing the pressure—and, in some cases, the decline—thanks to the growing popularity of AI-driven answers.

1. Programming Q&A Sites (Like Stack Overflow)

Stack Overflow has long been a cornerstone of the programming community. Developers from all over the world have used it to ask questions, share snippets, and troubleshoot problems. It became especially valuable because of its deep, community-curated knowledge base.

However, ChatGPT has dramatically changed that landscape. Programmers now have access to an instant assistant that can analyze, explain, and even write code on demand. Instead of waiting hours—or even days—for a response on a forum, they get help in seconds.

For example, when a developer encounters an unfamiliar piece of JavaScript or needs help optimizing a SQL query, ChatGPT can:

• Explain what the code does line by line
• Suggest optimized alternatives
• Provide conceptual explanations behind the syntax
• Answer follow-up questions in real time

This instant feedback loop is a key factor driving users away from traditional forums. While Stack Overflow remains a treasure trove of specialized and expert-level answers, the convenience of ChatGPT is winning out for everyday coding tasks. Moreover, for beginners who may be intimidated by community voting systems, downvotes, or complex jargon, ChatGPT offers a judgment-free and accessible environment to learn.

2. Search Engines (Like Google Search)

Perhaps the most surprising casualty of the ChatGPT wave is the traditional search engine. Google has been the dominant force in online information retrieval for over two decades. Yet, user behavior is shifting, especially for queries that seek concise, straightforward answers.

ChatGPT delivers these results quickly—without ads, without clicking through multiple websites, and without being bombarded by pop-ups or cookie banners. That convenience is changing user habits. Let’s say a user wants to understand different mechanical keyboard switches. A Google search might lead to:

• Ten different blog posts
• Multiple tabs
• Conflicting information
• Affiliate marketing links

With ChatGPT, the same user can type:

“Explain the differences between red, blue, and brown keyboard switches. I prefer a soft feel and quiet keys.”

ChatGPT immediately provides a customized explanation and even recommends a switch type based on the user’s preferences. That level of personalized interaction is unmatched by search engines today. As AI-powered search experiences evolve—like the rollout of ChatGPT Search and other chatbot interfaces—traditional search engines will likely lose even more ground, especially for informational and product discovery queries.

3. Online Tutoring Platforms (Like Khan Academy and Chegg)

Education technology is another area being reshaped by ChatGPT. Platforms like Khan Academy, Chegg, and Coursera offer valuable resources—but their format often limits them. Most provide pre-recorded lessons, static exercises, and fixed content that may not suit every learner’s pace or style.

ChatGPT, on the other hand, acts like a 24/7 personalized tutor. Students can ask highly specific questions and get customized explanations. Whether it’s solving math equations, writing essays, or understanding physics principles, ChatGPT can:

• Break down complex problems
• Adjust explanations based on user feedback
• Offer analogies or examples for better clarity
• Provide step-by-step instructions tailored to the student’s level

This type of adaptive, interactive learning was previously available only through one-on-one tutoring. Now, it’s accessible instantly and at scale.

For example, a high school student confused about algebra can say:

“Can you explain how to solve 3x + 5 = 20?”

ChatGPT not only shows the solution but also explains why each step matters. If the student wants to go deeper or ask follow-up questions like “What if the equation has variables on both sides?” the AI continues to assist without missing a beat. While platforms like Khan Academy remain valuable for structured learning paths and visual content, ChatGPT is overtaking them in scenarios where students need interactive and personalized help.

4. Informational Websites (Like Wikipedia)

Wikipedia has long been the gold standard for general knowledge on the web. Its open-source, citation-rich model ensures accuracy and breadth. However, when users are looking for quick, digestible answers, Wikipedia can feel like too much.

For instance, if someone is curious about the fastest bird in the world, Wikipedia might present a 2,000-word article with scientific classifications, history, and footnotes. But most users want a sentence or two. By contrast, ChatGPT responds clearly:

“The peregrine falcon is the fastest bird, capable of diving at speeds over 240 mph.”

Follow-up questions like “Why is it so fast?” or “What bird has the fastest level flight?” can continue the conversation seamlessly. This dialogue-driven model offers a more natural way to learn and retain information. Of course, Wikipedia is still the go-to source for deep research and citation-based content. But for on-demand, bite-sized learning, ChatGPT is taking the lead.

Conclusion

ChatGPT is not just another online tool—it’s a fundamental shift in how people approach the web. With its ability to respond quickly, tailor answers, and engage in dialogue, it is drawing users away from long-established platforms.

The 4 website types discussed—coding forums, search engines, educational platforms, and encyclopedic resources—are seeing real impact as users embrace the AI-driven approach. As ChatGPT and similar models become more integrated into daily life, these platforms must adapt, innovate, or risk further decline.