StackOverflow used to be my default tab whenever I got stuck.
At one point, it basically taught me how to code.
These days? I rarely open it.
Most people around me now:
- Ask ChatGPT first
- Search GitHub issues
- Check Reddit or Discord
- Only land on StackOverflow via Google
And I don’t think it’s just because of AI.
A lot of devs quietly stopped using it because the experience felt rough:
- Downvotes with no explanation
- Questions closed too quickly
- Feeling dumb for asking normal questions
When better-feeling alternatives showed up, people left.
AI didn’t kill StackOverflow.
It just made it easier to avoid.
I don’t know what the future of StackOverflow looks like.
But I do know this:
Communities that feel welcoming survive. Communities that don’t, fade.
Curious:
Do you still use StackOverflow regularly?
Or has your workflow moved elsewhere?
Top comments (4)
I completely relate to this. The tipping point for me wasn't AI, but the community vibe. I stopped posting after getting criticized just for asking questions getting told to 'just google it' when I was genuinely stuck made me realize it wasn't a place for learning anymore. I've mostly moved my workflow to Discord communities and GitHub Discussions now. It's much more refreshing to be in a place where people actually enjoy helping you solve a bug
Totally agree. The vibe matters more than the tool. Being told “just Google it” kills curiosity fast. Discord and GitHub Discussions feel more human and supportive. Community is underrated infrastructure for learning.
Exactly, community is so important in learning. I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of people stopped using stack overflow due to lack of community support especially when you are a beginner
100%. Without a supportive community, even great resources lose impact.