Various observers have predicted the end of Wikipedia since it rose to prominence, with potential pitfalls from poor quality control or inconsistencies among contributors.
Alternative online encyclopedias have been proposed as replacements for Wikipedia, including WolframAlpha,[1] as well as the now-defunct Knol (from Google),[2][3] and now-defunct Owl (from AOL).[4] A 2013 review raised alarms regarding Wikipedia's shortcomings on hoaxes, on vandalism, an imbalance of material, and inadequate quality control of articles.[5] Earlier critiques lamented the vulgar content and absence of sufficient references in articles.[6] Others suggest that the unwarranted deletion of useful articles from Wikipedia may portend its end. (Which itself inspired the creation of Deletionpedia.)[7][8]
Contrary to such predictions, Wikipedia has constantly grown in both size and influence.[9][10][11][12] Recent developments with artificial intelligence in Wikimedia projects have prompted new predictions that AI applications which consume free and open content will replace Wikipedia.[13]