Feeling Sad about AI

The core value of programming skills and the definition of a programmer's worth are being redefined.

Andy Balaam, a programmer, expresses profound sadness stemming from the perceived disrespect and obsolescence of his lifelong passion and identity: coding. He feels that the rise of AI programming tools devalues human programmers, suggesting their skills are becoming a commodity and their careers are threatened. Balaam reflects on his own naivete and recognizes that his identity has been deeply intertwined with programming, a skill he uses to prove his worth and earn respect. He acknowledges this sadness is disproportionate to AI's direct impact on his life. Balaam also notes that many other essential professions receive far less societal respect than programming historically has. Despite his personal distress, he aims to offer a hopeful perspective for himself, coding enthusiasts, and aspiring programmers.

The article articulates a prevalent sentiment of existential dread and identity crisis within the programming community due to AI advancements. Balaam's personal narrative highlights a fear that the unique craft and intellectual challenge of programming are being commoditized, thereby undermining the respect and self-worth derived from mastering such skills. This perspective suggests a potential psychological and professional schism between those who embrace AI as a tool and those who feel threatened by its ability to automate what they consider a deeply human and creative endeavor.

Balaam's message offers a counter-narrative emphasizing the enduring value of fundamental programming thinking and the knowledge of how code operates, regardless of AI's capabilities. He argues that the analytical and problem-solving skills cultivated through programming remain critical and transferable to future challenges. This perspective implies that education and career paths focused on core computer science principles will continue to be robust, even as the tools and methodologies evolve, fostering a sense of continued relevance and employability for those with a deep understanding of computation.