A lot has changed in the last two years with AI. It has had a profound impact on people so much so that even for the smallest tasks, people now turn to AI. Of course, it can play a significant role in people's lives, but if misused, it can lead to various problems.

Problem

Some people treat using AI as a job in itself, even coining the term “prompt engineering”. They rely on AI to such an extent that it seems as if they created it themselves and take excessive pride in its use. The issue here is not to undermine AI but to highlight how it is sometimes overestimated.

Many software developers now turn to AI for even the smallest issues, consulting it for every minor problem and even using AI-powered code editors. Some argue, “AI explains everything, so we learn from it”. However, this is like reading a recipe and thinking you’ll become a great cook. You might know the ingredients and the steps, but without learning how to set the right temperature, achieve the right consistency, and master the nuances, you won’t truly develop expertise. Over-reliance on AI dulls problem-solving skills, making individuals less capable of thinking critically and independently.

Some try to justify their reliance on AI by claiming that this is a revolutionary moment and that those who resist will be left behind technologically. While adapting to new technologies is crucial, real progress comes from a balanced and strategic approach, not blind dependence.

Balance

How can we maintain the balance? The answer is simple: acquire fundamental skills before relying on AI tools. For example, a beginner in software development should first develop algorithmic thinking skills. AI should be seen as an assistant, not a decision-maker. Developers should be able to edit, debug, and optimize AI-generated code rather than just copy and paste it.

A balanced approach means first attempting to solve a problem independently, researching solutions, and only then consulting AI as a last resort. Personally, when I encounter an issue in my code, my first step is to analyze the problem myself. I search for solutions on platforms like Stack Overflow and other developer forums. If I still can’t solve it, then I turn to AI for assistance. This process helps improve problem-solving skills while ensuring that AI remains a tool rather than a crutch.

Conclusion

The widespread use of AI is inevitable. I would actually recommend that you don't use artificial intelligence at all. But if you are going to use it, use with caution. The people who will succeed in the future will be those who retain human skills such as critical thinking, creativity and technical depth when collaborating with AI or not.

Don't get too carried away. Good luck.