AI can't even fix a simple bug – but sure, let's fire engineers

Summary

Reddit discovered the funniest thing in tech this week, and it shows exactly how broken the AI narrative is. The newly released GitHub Copilot agent was given permission to make pull requests on Microsoft’s .NET runtime, and the results couldn’t be funnier. The AI confidently submitted broken code, while human developers patiently explained why it didn’t work. Over and over again, for days. I feel bad for the engineers in this PR, but I also can't stop laughing. What’s worse is that CEOs are using this same technology to justify laying off entire engineering teams. Comedy show I spent way too much time scrolling through these PRs. The pattern was always the same: AI: “I fixed the issue!” Human: “Your code isn’t working and you broke other tests.” AI: “You’re absolutely right! Fixed it now.” Still not fixed. This went on for days. Multiple rounds of the AI insisting it solved problems, while making them worse. And somewhere, executives are watching this thinking, “Yeah, this is ready to replace our engineering team.” Hidden truth I don’t want to sound like an AI hater, I use AI for coding daily. It’s genuinely made me more productive. But here’s what’s actually happening with these layoffs: Companies over-hired during the pandemic boom. Now they need to cut costs. AI gave them the perfect cover story. Instead of admitting “We planned poorly,” they get to sound visionary: “We’re leveraging AI to optimize workforce efficiency!” Meanwhile, I know a startup founder who just raised Series A. He messaged me about wanting to hire three more engineers. “Aren’t you using AI to do more with fewer people?” I asked. He laughed. “AI makes my team unstoppable. Why would I want fewer unstoppable people?” What devs need to do right now If you’re worried about AI layoffs, here’s your playbook: Become the AI expert on your team. Don't fight the tools, master them. Be the person who knows when AI helps and when it hurts. Management needs someone who understands both the potential and l...