Stack Overflow is introducing native ads to blend sponsored content into its Q&A feeds, aiming to fund enhancements while maintaining transparency and user value. Critics fear erosion of trust and misinformation. This move reflects efforts to balance revenue with community integrity amid AI-driven industry shifts.
And AI is not the cause, just one of the last nails of that coffin. I’m still pissed at the gatekeeping moderators, actively eliminating participation of new users. I tried to be part of it two times, got burned two times, turned away and just used it as an info source, rather than “wasting” time trying to help others.