Exploring potential implications of intelligent tools for human aspects of software engineering

Abstract

Background. The emergence of tools based on artificial intelligence (AI) to support software development suggests an overhaul on how developers program and interact among themselves. This disruption might bring challenges regarding human and social aspects of the software development process. Objective. This paper is a first exploration of the consequences of AI-based tools for software development teams and their members. Method. We conducted a social science fiction exercise, a sort of thought experiment, narrating two fictional stories about a futuristic software company employing AI-based tools. Then, we evaluated the plausibility of one of the scenarios through a qualitative experiment with 38 students to observe their perception regarding the use of AI-based tools. Results. The stories suggest potential challenges related to the adoption of these tools: A change on how developers perceive themselves, a clash between quantitative and qualitative worker contribution assessment, and the training of future developers to handle the imminent changes on their profession. In the qualitative experiment, we collected evidence supporting negative feelings, such as lack of trust and control and fear of being replaced. We also identified other attitudes and perceptions of developers, such as positive feelings towards AI-based tools. Conclusion. We identified several aspects that might influence the adoption of AI-based tools and their implications for individuals involved. They should be further investigated and represent a challenge for the research on human aspects of software engineering. We also demonstrated the use of social science fiction to explore novel research problems.