Is AI-assisted Programming Going to Change Productivity Expectations?

The conversation started with Person 1 sharing their thoughts on the value of AI-powered tools, specifically agents, in their daily work. They noted that the $20 monthly cost is easily justified by the productivity gains they experience, which they estimate to be around 2x. However, they also acknowledged that this increased productivity doesn't necessarily translate to getting twice as much work done, but rather allows them to work more efficiently and effectively.

Person 1 also touched on the broader implications of AI adoption in the workplace, suggesting that it may lead to job losses and changes in the way teams work together. They noted that while AI may bring some benefits, such as reduced office space costs, it also raises concerns about the impact on employment and productivity.

Person 2 offered a more philosophical perspective, suggesting that regardless of the tools and technologies available, the fundamental dynamics of the workplace remain the same. They argued that to succeed, individuals will always need to perform at or above average levels, and that the expectations and pressures to deliver results will remain constant.

Person 3 took the conversation in a different direction, musing on the nature of programming and software engineering. They proposed that traditional programming is characterized by a loop between thinking about what to code and actually writing the code, with occasional breaks to learn new skills. However, they also suggested that this view is too narrow, and that software engineering is a more fundamental and meta-level discipline that encompasses not just coding, but also the broader process of designing, building, and maintaining software systems.

Here's a question: If you all are so clever and can see the future of work and AI so clearly, why are you still hanging out on Hacker News instead of starting your own AI-powered startups and changing the world?