The article explores the TEMU-fication of software, digital goods, and services, drawing parallels to fast fashion. It posits that AI and LLMs will drive a two-tier market: cheap, mass-produced low-quality outputs and a niche premium segment of human-crafted work.

Inexpensive AI-generated products, like vibe-coded software and books, mirror the model of ultra-cheap physical goods. These items are produced at near-zero marginal cost but suffer from quality issues, security vulnerabilities, and ethical concerns. For instance, 45% of AI-generated code fails security tests, and rapid iteration worsens flaws. The author argues that this trend externalizes costs—environmental, ethical, and quality-related—onto marginalized workers or systems.

The debate centers on whether AI tools raise a floor or lower a ceiling for quality. Critics claim mediocre human-made software already exists, but proponents warn that AI-generated outputs lack accountability and compound errors. Similarly, AI-written books flood platforms like Amazon, with minimal human oversight. The author suggests this mirrors the fast fashion model, where cheap production relies on exploited labor or resources.

The hypothesis remains speculative but highlights risks of prioritizing scale over quality. The two-tier market could persist, with vibe-coded goods dominating the cheap tier while human craftsmanship becomes a luxury. This trend raises questions about long-term costs and societal trade-offs.