Will artificial intelligence destroy jobs in the web industry?

Artificial Intelligence is a delicate topic. It still largely falls into the realm of the unknown, where fear and excitement intertwine.

Will our jobs be replaced by machines? This question is pervasive in our society and extends far beyond the world of the web. But in this article, let’s focus on what concerns us here: will we, as web developers, also be overtaken by the advancement of AI?

Indeed, the famous “No Code” movement has been gaining ground in our industry for some time now. For the web, this applies to many online platforms that allow us to create websites without writing a single line of code, with the code being generated behind the scenes. Additionally, AI enables these platforms to generate custom websites based on client preferences, with minimal need for detailed customization.

This approach is easy to grasp and has become increasingly popular in recent years among non-developers. But it’s not without its problems, and the results are still far from optimal. But with the advancement of technology, what does the future hold?

The replacement of human labor by machines is nothing new. We don’t have to go far back in time: in the 19th century, during the industrial revolution, a multitude of machines began populating factories, putting thousands of people out of work. This was especially true in the textile industry. At that time, hundreds of workers revolted, protested against the technological advancements in their workplaces, and even went as far as smashing their employers’ machines. Just like today, everyone was trying to protect their livelihood without considering what it meant for society. Today, who would be willing to reject the technological advancements that have built the modern world?

In general, technological advancements are, in most cases, a great driver of growth, and it would be selfish to think that we should hold them back just to maintain our personal status quo. Moreover, “new technologies” often go hand in hand with “new jobs,” which we can’t yet imagine but will need to adapt to when they arrive.

However, I’ll be honest with you: as a web developer myself, this subject concerns me. Just as it concerned workers in the textile industry. And I don’t have a magic solution or a crystal ball to provide a definitive answer today. Nevertheless, some perspective is in order:

1/ “No Code” is not new. In 1997, Dreamweaver already offered a wysiwyg service, and while the technology has advanced significantly in over twenty years, it is still dedicated to a particular niche and is far from replacing the complete work of a professional in the coming years or decades. So, this is more likely a concern for, at minimum, the end of our careers.

2/ As mentioned earlier, technological advancements typically create new jobs or new forms of work. Roles may change and evolve, but technology professionals will always be in demand. Indeed, the world of the future is a world with even more technology.

3/ Unlike mechanical machines like those in the textile industry, the field of web development heavily relies on creativity. And creativity is the very essence of human genius. If AI reaches that level, a structural transformation of society will need to occur, which goes far beyond the scope of web professions. (What will be left for humans? Other solutions, like universal basic income, may need to be considered—but I digress…)

In conclusion and summary, because we could discuss this topic for hours, the field of web development is not dying. Or if it is, it will open up other possibilities in the sector that we will need to adapt to.

And good news: a developer’s job is already one of constant adaptation and continuous learning. We should be able to manage!