Ask HN: What is the future of tech roles?

9 points

a year ago

Lately, there’s been a growing narrative especially from VCs and CEOs about software engineers being replaced by AI in the near future. At first, I didn’t think much of it, but over time, that fear has slowly started to creep in.

Personally, I don’t believe I can be replaced. I use AI tools every day, and they’re great. Like a smart autocomplete or a really good rubber duck but I see them as assistants, not substitutes.

I think people deeply immersed in their field understand the nuance and artistry of what they do. It’s like when Ben Affleck said actors can’t be replaced by AI - yet in the same breath dismissed VFX artists. Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypURoMU3P3U&t=2s

So I'm uncertain weather I'm over estimating my 'artistry' and the industry just thinks of my profession of as a Gihbli picture. I’d really like to hear thoughts from fellow software engineers and especially from those in management or leadership positions. How are you feeling about all this?

Recent clip that sparked this: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/N2R4-d8YJZw

and Shopify CEO Memo: https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/07/shopify-ceo-tells-teams-to-consider-using-ai-before-growing-headcount

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