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The Surprising Impact of AI on Experienced Software Developers
A recent study conducted by the AI research nonprofit METR has sparked a significant debate after revealing an unexpected finding: experienced software developers working with AI tools in familiar codebases completed their tasks 19% slower than expected. This counterintuitive result has raised questions about the role of AI in software development and its impact on productivity.
The study was carried out earlier this year, involving a group of seasoned developers who primarily used Cursor as their AI tool to assist with tasks in open-source projects they were already familiar with. Before the experiment, many of these developers believed that using AI would significantly speed up their work, estimating that it would reduce task completion time by around 24%. Even after completing the tasks with AI assistance, the developers still felt they had improved their efficiency by 20%.
However, the study’s findings contradicted these expectations. Instead of speeding up their work, the use of AI actually increased the time required to complete tasks by 19%. This outcome surprised many developers on platforms like X, including the study’s lead authors, Joel Becker and Nate Rush. Rush had anticipated a much more substantial improvement, even noting his expectation of a 2x speed-up before the experiment began.
This study challenges the widespread belief that AI enhances productivity for software engineers. Many companies have invested heavily in AI tools, assuming that they would significantly boost efficiency. However, the METR study highlights that this assumption may not hold true in all scenarios, particularly when experienced developers are working with well-known codebases.
Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, shares concerns about the potential impact of AI on jobs in the tech industry. He believes that AI could replace entry-level coding positions within the next one to five years. Unlike previous studies that suggested AI would make coders more productive, the METR study shows that the benefits of AI do not apply universally.
One key factor identified in the study is that experienced developers spent additional time reviewing and correcting the suggestions made by AI models. This extra effort contributed to the overall slowdown. However, the study’s authors note that this effect may not be present in other types of software development tasks.
Despite the findings, the majority of the study’s participants and the researchers themselves continue to use Cursor. They believe that while AI may slow down certain tasks, it makes the overall experience easier and less tedious. This perspective suggests that many developers view AI as a helpful collaborator rather than a direct threat.
AI and the Changing Landscape of Tech Jobs
While some developers remain optimistic about AI’s role in their work, the broader tech industry is experiencing a shift. Companies are increasingly adopting AI tools, which has led to layoffs in certain areas. Microsoft, for example, has laid off up to 9,000 employees, with 40% of the affected roles being software engineers. The company claims that some of these positions were outsourced to AI tools.
Microsoft’s decision to cut jobs came alongside record-breaking profits, which have kept its market value close to that of Nvidia and ahead of Apple. Similarly, Google has also reduced its workforce following investments in AI startups like Anthropic, though not all laid-off workers were replaced by AI systems.
Other major tech companies, including Salesforce and Intel, have also cited a shift toward AI in their layoff announcements. Salesforce has cut 1,000 jobs this year to focus on AI roles, while Intel has reduced its workforce by 15,000. IBM plans to replace 30% of its back-office roles with AI by 2030.
These developments highlight the growing tension between the potential benefits of AI and the risks it poses to traditional job roles. While some professionals see AI as a valuable tool, others fear it could lead to significant job losses in the coming years.
A New Opportunity in the DeFi Space
As the tech landscape continues to evolve, new opportunities are emerging in different sectors. One such opportunity is the upcoming launch of CRMFeedAcademy, a platform designed to help users earn passive income through DeFi (Decentralized Finance) in 2025. This initiative reflects the ongoing innovation in the financial technology space and offers a glimpse into how AI and blockchain technologies may shape future economic activities.
