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Is your boss asking you to explore and learn how to use AI to improve the quality and efficiency of your work? Yup, you aren't the only one in that boat. Whilst exploring new AI tools, I figured: Why not use it to answer some burning questions that I have? This time, it was about whether forums are outdated. Yes, forums like this one that we are on. I remember how before social media became popular, and before apps like Carousell existed, forums were where I chatted with others to learn more about things that I was interested in. It was also the only marketplace where I knew I could sell things locally with ease. So, lets see what the AI has churned out: Forum vs. Social Media: A Comparison of Social Interaction Platforms Structured Discussions Forums, with their thread-based structure, excel at facilitating rich, topic-centered discussions. This setup promotes in-depth conversations and knowledge-sharing, such as the community-focused interaction found on platforms like Reddit and Stack Exchange. In contrast, social media operates more like a stream of consciousness with its fluid news feed format, where personal updates and relationship-building take precedence. Engagement and Interaction Social media platforms, like Twitter and Instagram, foster a sense of personal connection through user profiles and engagement features like likes and shares. However, this can lead to echo chambers, where users primarily encounter content that reflects their views, often intensifying divisions on issues like climate change as some studies suggest. Anonymity vs. Identity Forums typically offer a layer of anonymity, focusing interactions on the discussion topic rather than the individual. This is quite different from social media, where personal branding and identity are central. In summary, while forums prioritise structured, topical discussions, social media emphasizes personal interactions and real-time communication. Both platforms offer unique benefits, and the best choice depends on your social interaction goals. Are Forums Outdated? Exploring the Evolution of Online Communication The Timeless Appeal of Forums Despite the leaps and bounds made in online chat and social interaction platforms, forums maintain a timeless charm that keeps them relevant even today. While social media platforms offer more dynamic, real-time engagement, forums excel in creating a focused environment for in-depth discussion. They attract users seeking meaningful exchanges, where each thread acts as a time capsule of shared knowledge. A Unique Niche Among Modern Platforms Forums offer a distinctive niche compared to social media or messaging apps. While platforms like Discord or WhatsApp emphasize rapid, ephemeral chatting, forums allow for enduring conversations that can be revisited and referenced. This unique format of online forum interaction can be invaluable for users looking to delve deeply into niche topics or hobbies, distinguishing them in a sea of fleeting social interactions. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I personally feel that I'm spending a lot more time on Facebook groups, Instagram and other social media platforms, but every now and then when I'm searching for information about certain topics, forum answers would pop up. So I agree with the AI on how forums' structured discussions with the threads and topics make them unique and useful; while you can use the search bar on Facebook groups, the posts aren't categorised into threads. Also, what I really like about forums is the chronological order of posts and how interactions will bump them up - most of the time organically. So I feel that forums still have a place lah, but I also feel that the use of forums seems to be declining in recent times. And hor, with AI giving us all the answers, maybe there, forum activity will be reduced even more... I know it's a long post, but what are your thoughts? Maybe you're the reason that you keep coming back to Mycarforum?