Over the past few years, generative artificial intelligence (AI) has been marketed as a game-changing force: effortless efficiency, doubled productivity, and near-magical automation. But now that the initial excitement is wearing off, cracks are beginning to show — and the truth is far more complex.

A recent independent report from METR has revealed a shocking reality: even experienced developers, when using AI tools, were 19% slower compared to when working without them — despite believing they were 20% faster. The gap between perception and performance highlights a dangerous trend: when used without expertise, AI can create more confusion than clarity.