Why developers using AI are working longer hours
scientificamerican.com
March 7, 2026
6 min read
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47/100
Summary
A survey of nearly 5,000 technology professionals revealed that 90 percent are using AI at work, with over 80 percent reporting increased productivity. Despite these benefits, developers are reportedly working longer hours.
Key Takeaways
- A survey found that 90% of technology professionals are using AI at work, with over 80% reporting increased productivity.
- The use of AI in software development has led to a rise in "software delivery instability," resulting in more frequent code rollbacks and patches.
- AI adoption has intensified pressure on software engineers, leading to longer working hours and increased stress, as employees take on more tasks and work at a faster pace.
- Developers still need to verify and tweak AI-generated code to meet specific business needs and ensure it functions correctly.
Community Sentiment
Positives
- Developers report unprecedented productivity gains, with some claiming an 8x increase in output due to AI tools, suggesting a transformative impact on software development.
- The ability to supervise AI agents instead of writing every line of code allows developers to focus on higher-level tasks, potentially leading to more innovative solutions.
Concerns
- The cognitive load on developers has increased significantly, as they must now monitor AI agents and manage unexpected behaviors, which can lead to burnout and longer working hours.
- Concerns about job security are rising, with some developers feeling that their roles may be diminished as AI tools become more capable, leading to fears of obsolescence.
