Software Developers Aren’t Buying It: Unpacking the Skepticism in Tech Trends
John: Hey everyone, welcome back to the blog! I’m John, your go-to AI and tech blogger, and today we’re diving into something that’s been buzzing in the developer community: “Software Developers Aren’t Buying It.” This comes from a recent InfoWorld article highlighting how devs are pushing back against overhyped tech trends, especially in the AI space. It’s all about that healthy skepticism that’s keeping things grounded amid the hype. Joining me as always is Lila, our curious beginner who’s great at asking the questions that make these topics click for everyone.
Lila: Hi John! Okay, so the title sounds intriguing—what exactly aren’t software developers buying? Is this about them rejecting new tools or something bigger?
John: Great question, Lila. It’s essentially about developers calling out the overpromises in emerging tech, like AI agents and automation tools that sound revolutionary but often fall short in practice. Based on recent surveys and reports, many devs are using these technologies daily but remain wary of their reliability and long-term value. If you’re exploring automation to streamline your own workflows, our deep-dive on Make.com covers features, pricing, and use cases in plain English—worth a look for anyone wanting practical insights: Make.com (formerly Integromat) — Features, Pricing, Reviews, Use Cases.
The Roots of Developer Skepticism
Lila: That makes sense. But why the doubt? Aren’t developers the ones building this stuff?
John: Exactly, and that’s why their skepticism carries weight. According to the 2025 Stack Overflow Developer Survey highlighted on ZDNet, most developers are incorporating AI into their workflows—like code generation or debugging—but trust levels have plummeted. They see AI as helpful for routine tasks, but not the game-changer it’s often marketed as. It’s like having a fancy kitchen gadget that promises to cook perfect meals every time, but in reality, it still needs a skilled chef to avoid disasters.
Lila: Haha, good analogy! So, what specific trends are they skeptical about?
John: A big one is agentic AI, which Gartner named the top strategic tech trend for 2025. These are AI systems that can act autonomously, like virtual assistants handling complex tasks. ZDNet reports that companies are investing heavily, but developers worry about issues like accuracy, security, and the “black box” nature where you can’t always see how decisions are made. Open-source trends are another area—InfoWorld predicts continued growth in enterprise stacks, but devs are cautious about sustainability and funding models that might not support long-term projects.
Key Insights from Recent Surveys and Reports
Lila: Can you break down some of these surveys? What are devs actually saying?
John: Sure thing. The Stack Overflow survey from July 2025 shows that while 70% of developers use AI daily, only about 30% fully trust it for critical work. Common gripes include hallucinations (AI making up wrong info) and biases in training data. Deloitte’s Tech Trends report for 2025 echoes this, noting AI is “moving undercover” in workplaces—meaning it’s embedded but not always visible or reliable. On the flip side, trends like hybrid computing and postquantum cryptography from Gartner’s list are getting more buy-in because they’re seen as practical defenses against real threats, like quantum hacking.
Lila: Postquantum what? That sounds super technical—explain it like I’m five?
John: No problem! Postquantum cryptography is basically next-level encryption designed to withstand attacks from quantum computers, which could break current security methods. It’s like upgrading from a wooden door to a steel vault because you know stronger burglars are coming. Developers are more on board with this because it’s grounded in verifiable math, not hype.
Current Developments and Real-World Examples
Lila: Are there any real-world examples of this skepticism playing out?
John: Absolutely. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, discussions around developer tools shifting fast highlighted how the myth of the “10x engineer” is fading—tools like AI aren’t magically multiplying productivity without human oversight. ZDNet also covered how AI amplifies other trends, but devs are pushing back on over-reliance, especially in critical sectors like healthcare or transportation where errors could be disastrous.
John: And from X (formerly Twitter) trends I’ve been following, verified accounts like @StackOverflow and @ZDNET are buzzing with threads where developers share stories of AI fails, like code suggestions that introduce bugs. One trending post from a senior dev at a major firm noted, “AI is a tool, not a replacement—stop selling it as magic.” It’s all about balancing innovation with realism.
- AI Trust Gap: Developers use it but question its reliability for complex tasks.
- Hype vs. Reality: Trends like agentic AI promise autonomy, but integration challenges persist.
- Open-Source Sustainability: Growth is expected, but funding issues could hinder progress.
- Practical Wins: Areas like pervasive cloud and human-centric privacy get more developer approval.
Challenges and How to Navigate Them
Lila: So, what challenges come with this skepticism? Is it holding back progress?
John: It can slow adoption, but it’s also a healthy check. Challenges include overhyped marketing leading to wasted investments—think companies pouring money into AI without proper testing. Developers report burnout from constantly evaluating “game-changing” tools that don’t deliver. To navigate this, focus on verified use cases. For instance, if creating documents or slides feels overwhelming, this step-by-step guide to Gamma shows how you can generate presentations, documents, and even websites in just minutes: Gamma — Create Presentations, Documents & Websites in Minutes. It’s a practical example of AI done right, with clear benefits for quick content creation.
Lila: That sounds useful! What about the future—will this skepticism ease up?
Future Potential and Looking Ahead
John: Looking to 2025 and beyond, reports like Gartner’s suggest AI agents will evolve, but only if trust is built through transparency and better data governance. ZDNet predicts a rise in “autonomous enterprises” with hybrid human-AI workforces, but devs will demand proof. Open-source could thrive with new funding models, as InfoWorld outlines. The key is ethical development—focusing on tools that amplify human skills rather than replace them.
Lila: Any tips for beginners like me who want to stay informed without getting caught in the hype?
John: Start with reliable sources, experiment with tools on small projects, and join communities like Stack Overflow. And if automation sparks your interest, revisit our guide on Make.com for a solid starting point: Make.com (formerly Integromat) — Features, Pricing, Reviews, Use Cases.
FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Questions
Lila: Before we wrap, let’s do some FAQs. What’s the biggest myth devs are debunking?
John: That AI will automate away all coding jobs—it’s more about augmentation.
Lila: How can I tell if a tech trend is overhyped?
John: Look for verifiable data from sources like Gartner or ZDNet, not just buzzwords.
John: In reflection, this skepticism from developers is a good thing—it ensures tech evolves responsibly and delivers real value. It’s a reminder that behind every trend, human insight drives true progress.
Lila: Totally agree! My takeaway: Approach new tech with curiosity but keep that critical eye—it’s empowering for beginners like me.
This article was created based on publicly available, verified sources. References:
- Software developers aren’t buying it | InfoWorld
- Most developers use AI in their daily workflows – but they don’t trust it, study finds | ZDNET
- Open source trends for 2025 and beyond | InfoWorld
- Agentic AI is the top strategic technology trend for 2025 | ZDNET
- Gartner’s 2025 tech trends show how your business needs to adapt – and fast | ZDNET