Too Fast to Think: The Hidden Fatigue of AI Vibe Coding
3 days ago
- #AI Coding
- #Cognitive Load
- #Developer Fatigue
- The author experiences fatigue from 'vibe coding' using AI tools like Claude Code and Cursor, which significantly speed up coding tasks.
- AI tools enable rapid code generation, bug fixing, and other tasks, but the speed leads to cognitive overload and mental fatigue.
- The concept of cognitive load is discussed, highlighting how AI increases the frequency of context switches, draining mental energy.
- The author compares the experience to working in a factory, where the machine's pace dictated the workflow, leading to stress.
- Traditional coding allowed for processing time, but AI-driven coding compresses complex tasks into seconds, overwhelming the brain.
- The dopamine loop in coding accelerates with AI, leading to an overwhelming rush of dopamine and stress hormones.
- AI changes the developer's role from writing code to managing AI output, akin to overseeing multiple intersections as a traffic officer.
- The author suggests the need for deliberate pacing, AI-aware retrospectives, and awareness of mental health challenges for AI coders.
- The future of coding may require new rhythms and boundaries to balance speed with mental well-being.
- The article resonates with others who experience similar fatigue from the constant context switching and review demands of AI-assisted coding.