Are Forums Making a Comeback in 2026? Real Communities in the Age of AI

[salvaje]

Hello,


I’d like to start a small debate about the usefulness and future of forums in 2026.


With the rise of social media, Discord, Reddit, and similar platforms, forums seemed to decline for several years.


But now, with AI-generated content everywhere, it seems that users increasingly value content created by real people—authentic, human-generated content rather than AI-produced content.


For that reason, launching communities like forums, with real users and real content, could bring forums back to life.


What do you think?

 

[Mr Lucky]

But now, with AI-generated content everywhere, it seems that users increasingly value content created by real people—authentic, human-generated content rather than AI-produced content.

If only!

 

[Grump1!]

Depends how lazy and whether people are willing to learn how to use the forum people are.

AI is crap.

 

[80sDude]

I think it depends on the forum's subject.

 

[salvaje]

I think it depends on the forum's subject.

What topics do you think could spark interest?

 

[80sDude]

What topics do you think could spark interest?

I personally think besides video games topics that aren't popular on social media. Basically if you dont see groups or pages on facebook or too much activity on Redit you'll probably have a better chance.

 

[Mr Lucky]

What topics do you think could spark interest?

Any topic not covered on Facebook, Reddit.

I see I was beaten to that answer!

Basically any topic you can get very near the top of search results.

 

[nodle]

I think they will, I agree with your statements.

 

[JamesBrown]

Any topic not covered on Facebook, Reddit.

Facebook, Reddit, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok et al. Are all suffering to some extent from AI slop. And it's getting worse. You have AI Comments on AI content, how crazy is that!

People are not going to trust anything they see or read. Except maybe on a well moderated forum. I don't think there has been a better time to start a forum.

 

[alfaNova]

For that reason, launching communities like forums, with real users and real content, could bring forums back to life.

I actually see it differently. With AI becoming such a huge part of our daily routines and business workflows, I think it might actually kill off forums together wih social media rather than bring them back. Moving forward, why would people spend effort searching through forum threads when AI can give them exactly what they need instantly? I believe convenience will win out.

While AI is still improving, once developers fix issues like hallucinations, there will be little reason to use forums. The only exception might be for reading about specific human experiences or empathy, but for general information, I think forums will become obsolete.

It’s time for everyone to get ready to leave forums behind.

 

[PhineasD]

Moving forward, why would people spend effort searching through forum threads when AI can give them exactly what they need instantly? I believe convenience will win out.

Totally agree...