Coders are refusing to work without AI — and that could come back to bite them
techcrunch.com May 30, 2026

Coders are refusing to work without AI — and that could come back to bite them

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Researchers have found that developers are refusing to work without AI coding tools, with a recent study by METR revealing that most developers won't participate in tasks without AI. This reliance on AI may not be producing better code, with studies showing that AI-generated code can introduce long-term maintenance costs and increase errors. Developers perceive AI as making them more productive, but recent headlines suggest this may not be the case. Tokenmaxxing, a trend of using AI to boost productivity, has been criticized for its high costs and lack of measurable benefits. Experts warn that AI-generated code may require more maintenance and increase costs in the long run.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · The over-reliance on AI coding tools can lead to a loss of essential coding skills and a lack of understanding of AI's limitations.
  • · As AI-generated code introduces new maintenance costs, developers must adapt to ensure the quality and reliability of their work.