Why developers using AI are working longer hours

Why developers using AI are working longer hours

Why developers using AI are working longer hours

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-developers-using-ai-are-working-longer-hours/

Publish Date: 2026-03-03 08:00:00

Source Domain: www.scientificamerican.com

  • AI is increasingly being used by companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, Microsoft, and Google to automate parts of coding, including generating and updating code.
  • A Google survey found that 90% of respondents use AI at work, with over 80% reporting that it has increased productivity.
  • While AI can automate coding tasks and assist even inexperienced developers, developers still need to verify and fix the code created by AI.
  • There is a correlation between increased AI use and “software delivery instability,” indicating frequent code rollbacks and patches due to unexpected issues.
  • AI’s introduction has led to increased pressure on developers to work faster and longer, raising concerns about burnout and lower-quality output.
  • Overreliance on AI might hinder the development of coding skills, particularly in debugging, which is crucial for a developer’s expertise.