Discord's Self-Made Problems

Discord Considers a Return to Forum-Like Features

As Discord approaches its ten-year anniversary, preparations for a public offering are underway. The platform has fundamentally altered how online communities connect, evolving groups formerly found on forums and message boards into dynamic, multi-channel instant messaging servers.

Currently, a diverse range of activities are hosted on Discord, encompassing AI platforms such as Midjourney – its largest server – international gaming communities, and even school organizations.

The Enduring Value of Message Boards

Despite Discord’s popularity, traditional message boards retain their utility. A forum’s more deliberate and organized approach to commentary can be advantageous compared to the fast-paced, informal chats on Discord.

The rapid flow of real-time communication on Discord can sometimes overwhelm users with unread messages, potentially obscuring critical information.

Discord's Plans for Structured Knowledge Sharing

Peter Sellis, Discord’s SVP of product, has indicated the company is actively addressing this challenge. He stated that Discord aims to develop features that are “more conducive to structured knowledge sharing,” specifically mentioning forums.

Sellis believes Discord could significantly improve its investment in this area to better serve its users.

Exploring AI-Powered Summarization

One potential solution being explored is leveraging Large Language Models (LLMs) to condense lengthy message streams. However, the diverse culture within Discord’s user base suggests that the introduction of AI could elicit both enthusiasm and resistance.

According to Sellis, LLMs could transform extended, rambling conversations into “content that is more easily shared and distributed online.”

Challenges and Future Updates

Despite the potential, Sellis and his team have yet to identify an AI-based solution that fully meets their standards. Further refinement is needed.

With a new CEO and an anticipated IPO on the horizon, Discord is poised for a period of substantial updates and improvements.

The company is actively evaluating ways to enhance the user experience and address the challenges of managing information flow within its rapidly growing platform.