James Pain, a former software developer, shares concerns about how AI tools have eroded his professional abilities. After relying entirely on AI for coding for 1-2 years, he realized he had forgotten how to write code himself. The author describes the self-doubt that drives this over-reliance on AI, creating a cycle where he questions his own capabilities more each time he uses these tools.

The issue extends beyond coding into writing, where AI-generated content fails to capture the author's authentic voice. Pain references Robert Martin (Uncle Bob), noting how programming transitioned from being a profession of academics and professionals to a field overwhelmed by demand. This professional decline, he suggests, might ironically be reversed by AI as it reduces the need for sheer quantity of developers.

Currently teaching himself to code without AI, Pain admits to the irony of considering using AI to edit his own article about AI's negative impact. This moment of self-doubt exemplifies the psychological grip AI can have on creators. The author's personal journey serves as a cautionary tale about maintaining core skills while navigating the evolving landscape of AI-assisted development.