Comment by sanderjd
1 month ago
I don't think this is in any way a disagreement between us. In just the same way that spreadsheet software did not kill demand for accountants, I do not believe AI will kill the demand for other professionals.
1 month ago
I don't think this is in any way a disagreement between us. In just the same way that spreadsheet software did not kill demand for accountants, I do not believe AI will kill the demand for other professionals.
Why did you scare quote addicted then? Made it sound like you were implying that spreadsheets did not erode workforce skill
It was quoting a word from this sentence in your comment:
> An entire generation of potential competition is getting addicted to the subsidized corporate tooling.
I think that using LLMs as tools for work is just like accountants using spreadsheets. If you want to describe both things with the word "addicted", then fair enough. But in my view, in both cases it is just people using a technology that is useful for their work.
And in both cases it leads to skill erosion in the workforce. We have a shortage of accountants and we will have a shortage of software developers when a few years down the line an entire new generation is addicted to corporate tooling and has been disincentivized to learn fundamental skills. So to the point: it is a real problem that has played out before. Ask anyone in manufacturing how much great welders are paid and if they are easy to find.
1 reply →