Feeling Sad about AI

This film does not include any programming code; feel free to disregard it if you prefer. Regardless, I aim to keep it concise, so see you on the other side :-). It is not about AI ethics, which I explore in my article "Why I don't use AI." Instead, it focuses on my personal feelings and reasons behind them, with optimistic conclusions.

AI has been making me sad for a while now, far more than its actual impact on my life. This sadness is the primary effect of AI, making it difficult for me to manage daily life and be a good partner, parent, friend, or colleague. While AI could threaten my job and career if I resist using it, I believe this explanation does not fully account for my deep sadness.

I feel sad due to a lack of respect. For years, I cherished programming: it was my hobby, work, identity, and a way to demonstrate my value. I believed it made me clever, earned me respect, and allowed me to create cool things. However, some in our industry now claim programming is obsolete, labeling programmers as dinosaurs. Only those renting programming from machines are seen as valuable.

This disrespect struck me, and I felt naive and self-centered. That's why I've been sad. But I want to share hope. I have three people in mind I want to encourage: myself, viewers who love coding, and viewers learning or building their careers. Andy, remember that they can't take away your love for programming. You genuinely love it; it excites, calms, and provides a creative outlet.

That's a gift you can't lose. They can't remove your skills either. Enjoy coding; don't waste time seeking respect from those who don't deserve it. For viewers for the love of coding, the message is the same: they can't take it away. Just cherish it. If you enjoy coding videos, support the creators and help them continue. For learners, don't listen to those who say programming is obsolete.

Even if AI predictions hold true, we'll need many coders and those who understand coding. Coding teaches valuable skills, like complex system creation, analysis, remodeling, debugging - essential for future problems. Even if AI advances, the knowledge of how code works remains crucial. My children, for example, are learning programming and pursuing potential coding careers, and I'm confident it will benefit them.

Despite my sadness, I remain optimistic about their future. If you share confusion, fear, or sadness, I hope this video helps. Reach out to me on Mastodon (@andybalaam@mastodon.social) or via comments on my blog or this video. I love you, and you have immense value, regardless of coding or any other skill.