The AI Coding Conundrum: Why You Shouldn’t Fear the Rise of Automation

Lately, there’s been a surge of anxiety surrounding artificial intelligence, particularly its capabilities in coding. However, after my recent adventures with AI tools like ChatGPT and CLAUDE, I’ve come to the conclusion: we are not in imminent danger of an AI takeover—especially when it comes to coding.

My journey began innocently enough as I sought a quicker way to create graphic files for my Substack pages. Initially, I thought about using PowerPoint, a tried-and-true method that would take a few hours. But in the spirit of innovation, I decided to give AI coding a whirl. How hard could it be?

What followed was nothing short of a digital circus. What I envisioned as a streamlined project quickly devolved into a game of whack-a-mole—each time I fixed one issue, a new one would pop up to taunt me. As I navigated through a labyrinth of frustrations, I would often find myself laughing at the absurdity of it all. A fitting term for my experience? CLUSTER***K is certainly a contender.

After days of grappling with unexpected setbacks and disappointing results, I ultimately opted for a classic solution: I crafted my PowerPoint presentation in a mere three hours. This experience drove home an essential truth—AI systems currently have capabilities akin to that of a novice coder embarking on their first mission.

While it’s true that these technologies may evolve through processes like Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF) and other methodologies that integrate human expertise, they still have a long way to go before becoming true coding powerhouses. The prospect of an AI apocalypse seems misplaced, possibly fueled by a mix of sensationalist narratives and the interests of those wishing to profit from our fear.

So, rather than spending sleepless nights worrying about AI, why not take a moment to relax? Pour yourself a glass of Scotch, take two aspirin, and take a deep breath. A little cannabis might help too. Remember, the current limitations of AI coding capabilities are simply a reflection of technology’s journey rather than a harbinger of doom. Embrace the process, and let’s navigate these evolving tools with a sense of humor and a spirit of creativity.