OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has shared a message on social media thanking software engineers who built complex systems before the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), while also highlighting how AI is changing the way coding is done. “I have so much gratitude to people who wrote extremely complex software character-by-character. It already feels difficult to remember how much effort it really took,” Sam Altman wrote in an X post, further adding “Thank you for getting us to this point”. The post has sparked discussion about the future of software engineers. While Altman did not directly say that AI will replace engineers, his comments underline a broader shift where automation is expected to take over parts of coding work. Many users called out the irony in Altman’s post, stating how he was thanking software engineers for their work while building AI tools that could ‘take away’ their jobs.
What users commented on Sam Altman’s post
Commenting on Sam Altman’s post, one user wrote: “Nothing says “you’re being replaced” quite like a heartfelt thank you from the guy doing the replacing.”“You’re welcome. Nice to know that our reward is our jobs being taken away,” commented a second user“As a geeky engineer, coding through trial and error was both my job and my hobby—and something I actually enjoyed. Thank you for destroying my joy. Thank you for spreading the idea that coding is hell and evil,” wrote a third.“Dear devs, You will lose your jobs forever and be forced to work in the coal mines. But you can rest easy knowing sam Altman is grateful,” said a fourth.
Workforce changes linked to AI
Last month, Block Inc. said it plans to cut nearly half of its workforce as more work becomes automated. Earlier this week, software company Atlassian announced job cuts affecting about 10% of its employees while increasing investments in AI. Industry analysts say AI tools are beginning to affect many white-collar jobs, including roles in software development and marketing, allowing companies to increase productivity while hiring fewer workers.Leaders at other companies have also discussed using AI to change workforce structures. Alex Karp previously said he wants to increase revenue significantly while reducing headcount, while Andy Jassy said the company expects its corporate workforce to shrink as AI tools become more widely used.
