Continuous dependence on Generative AI leads to deskilled IT workforce

At first glance, the title of this blog post might give you the impression that we’re gearing up to critique Generative AI (GenAI) tools and LLMs (Large Language Models). But hold on! That’s not our intention at all. Instead, we’re diving deep into the fascinating impact these technologies are having on IT companies or tech organizations and the workforce within this dynamic field. We believe it’s crucial to explore these developments and establish some regulations in the tech industry. So, join us as we unpack this important conversation!

First! Let’s acknowledge the benefits of GenAI and LLMs

At SloopStash, we utilize a range of advanced Generative AI tools and various LLMs for tasks such as code snippet generation and text-based content creation. Our expertise in the AI landscape is focused and well-developed. The blog post you are currently reading was created with assistance from some of the leading Generative AI tools available on the market.

Before 2023, writing a blog post required at least 7 to 8 hours for content creation, revisions, and proofreading. Today, we can complete a blog post in just a couple of hours if you have the right content idea. This improvement applies not only to text-based content creation but also to the use of Generative AI for generating code snippets, which significantly simplifies the work of engineers and programmers and greatly enhances productivity.

This remarkable increase in productivity is why we fully acknowledge the value of Generative AI tools and LLMs.

Observing the decline of skills in IT workers due to continuous Generative AI usage

SloopStash has been involved in building a vibrant learning community that unites individuals from various IT companies and tech backgrounds. Over the past 6 years, we’ve had the privilege of connecting with thousands of incredible IT professionals and techies through our live training programs, workshops, seminars, and events. Recently, we have noticed a significant shift in how people think, learn, and approach their work.

A few years ago, IT programmers and engineers spent a lot of time thinking critically, browsing search engines, reading discussion forums, and experimenting with multiple iterations to solve issues. However, the extensive use of Generative AI tools has significantly changed this habit. Nowadays, many IT workforce rely heavily on GenAI, which has led them to stop thinking critically, searching for information, reading, and actively solving problems. Over time, this reliance can become a habit, resulting in the deskilling of IT professionals. This situation is concerning, especially if individuals find themselves in a work environment where the use of Generative AI is not allowed.

In the fast-paced world of technology, GenAI has undoubtedly turbocharged productivity, but it’s crucial to recognize a concerning trend: the professional skills of IT and software engineering workers are on the decline. While opinions on this issue may vary, what’s most important is how both IT organizations and tech professionals address this challenge. If we don’t strike a careful balance, we risk a serious deskilling of our workforce - a troubling prospect for the future of our IT and tech industry. Let’s spark a conversation about how to nurture and elevate our talent, ensuring that we not only keep pace with innovation but also cultivate the skills that drive it forward.

Striking the right balance between GenAI usage and IT skills retention

At SloopStash, we believe that technology is only valuable when used in the right balance between productivity and security. In particular, when utilizing Generative AI tools and LLMs, it is essential to address the privacy concerns faced by IT organizations. Furthermore, the use of these GenAI tools must be regulated to prevent the leakage or misuse of source code, credentials, content, customer data, or any other proprietary information.

To enhance our services, SloopStash develops a wide range of resources and source code across leading technology areas, including cloud, DevOps, platforms, fullstack, Big Data, and AI. However, we do not simply copy and paste the outputs generated by Generative AI tools. Our team is trained to use these tools as references to improve productivity, rather than replicating their content verbatim.

Are you looking to implement best practices for using Generative AI tools and LLMs in your startup or organization? If so, you are in the right place. Talk to us today!