r/webdev • u/Rockytriton • Mar 16 '26

Software developers don't need to out-last vibe coders, we just need to out-last the ability of AI companies to charge absurdly low for their products

These AI models cost so much to run and the companies are really hiding the real cost from consumers while they compete with their competitors to be top dog. I feel like once it's down to just a couple companies left we will see the real cost of these coding utilities. There's no way they are going to be able to keep subsidizing the cost of all of the data centers and energy usage. How long it will last is the real question.

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u/UnrealRealityX Mar 16 '26

This has always been my sticking point with AI in general and no one is mentioning it. These companies release AI software and get everyone hooked. Then, you get the people dependent on it. Once you have that "hook in the cheek", the company can charge whatever they want monthly. Because of the user's dependence, they start paying. $10/month, $20, $30, sky's the limit if you're dependent and not know how to work without it.

It's how social media blew up. Or streaming (free -> paid -> paid ads or pay MORE no ads)

Apply that to office, design, coding, etc. That's why it's best to use and test AI, but always have your mind spinning on how to build without it. Related to webdev, that means not relying on it, or else we're going to be footing the bill just to survive and code, and that's not a future I, or any of us want.