4/17/2025

Ethical Dilemmas: Is "Vibe Coding" Setting Unrealistic Expectations for Newbies?

In recent months, the term "vibe coding" has become a buzzword in tech circles, revolutionizing how people, especially newbies, perceive the world of programming. Coined by the AI researcher Andrej Karpathy, vibe coding suggests an effortless approach to software development, where coding is reduced to simply telling AI what you want.

But this rise in Vibe Coding raises an IMPORTANT question: Is it setting unrealistic expectations for those just dipping their toes into the coding pool? Let's explore the ethical dilemmas embedded in this trend, considering how vibe coding affects new programmers and its impact on the tech community at large.

What is Vibe Coding?

Vibe coding is described as a method where developers utilize AI tools like Cursor or Replit to generate code by merely providing verbal instructions. It’s the idea that instead of struggling with syntax, debugging errors, or poring over endless documentation, one can simply converse with AI to get the desired outcome. Imagine asking the AI, “Please create a web application that tracks my daily tasks,” and voilà! The code appears like magic.

While it sounds thrilling, we need to understand what this approach really involves. Yes, it's enticing to think that coding will soon resemble a friendly conversation. However, relying solely on AI to realize one’s coding ambitions may carry risk. This is particularly true for newbies who are still learning fundamental concepts of programming.

The Conflict: Unrealistic Expectations vs. Reality

Instant Gratification vs. Skill Development
One of the key issues with vibe coding is the instant gratification it offers. New coders often see stories of people building entire apps in just hours using AI. For instance, someone may claim that they created a game in 30 minutes with the help of a chatbot. But those sorts of claims can foster GREAT misconceptions about what it actually takes to become proficient in programming. As mentioned in a LinkedIn post, many newbies remain confused and frustrated when their own attempts fail to yield similar lightning-fast results. They might be disillusioned and think, “What am I doing wrong?” which can quickly lead to a sense of inadequacy.
While AI does make pad the learning curve easier, it also alienates newbies from acquiring real coding skills. Understanding programming fundamentals is crucial for building lasting proficiency. If learners become reliant on AI for code generation without genuinely understanding the principles, they miss the opportunity to develop their analytical & problem-solving skills.
Overlooking the Importance of Collaboration
Vibe coding paints a picture of solitarily engaging with an AI assistant. But coding – especially in professional settings – is often a COLLABORATIVE effort. Team dynamics, clear communication with team members, and understanding project goals are essential. The notion that someone can conjure code magically without connecting with others throws a wrench into collaboration, which is key to successful development.
This approach can lead to problems down the road. For example, without teamwork, new coders might overlook essential feedback regarding their project. Real-life coding environments involve iterations, discussions, peer reviews, and, most importantly, accountability. Relying on an AI tool could hinder newbies’ exposure to vital aspects of teamwork that eventually contribute to their growth.
The Superficial Interaction with Coding
Vibe coding promotes the idea that coding can be reduced into well-structured queries directed to AI systems. The downside? This could encourage a superficial interaction with an essential skill that involves much more than following high-level instructions. Each programming language has its unique syntax, strengths, limitations, and best practices—subjects that newbies become unaware of if they lean too heavily on AI tools.
This superficiality can result in lower coding quality as students are less likely to learn about debugging, optimizing code, or even writing clean, maintainable solutions. AI generates outputs based on patterns and existing data, but it lacks an inherent understanding of the problem domain. Without critical thinking exercises, students can develop habits of writing non-robust code, which can lead to profound technical debt down the line.

What About the Ethics?

The rise of vibe coding without critical attention to its consequences brings forth a multitude of ethical dilemmas. Here’s a checklist of aspects we need to consider:

Misrepresentation of Skill: Too many glowing success stories about vibe coding can create a false narrative suggesting coding is easy, potentially misrepresenting the nature of the profession.
Exclusivity in Accessibility: While vibe coding may seem inclusive, some voices suggest that it may foster exclusivity in technology. If AI dictates what constitutes a skillful programmer by providing perfect outputs, it licenses mediocrity and dismisses craftsmanship, alienating tenure in the tech space.
Creating Overdependence: If newbies rely solely on technology for execution rather than developing the foundational skills, they risk falling behind and becoming disengaged when faced with real-life coding challenges.

Addressing the Issue: Bridging Expectations with Reality

So, what can we do to help new coders navigate this new landscape shaped by vibe coding? Here’s a plan:

Encourage Practical Experience: Tutorials aimed at beginners should emphasize practicing core coding concepts before introducing tools like vibe coding AI. Encourage learners to take on challenges, explore syntax guides, and work on small projects independently before they start interacting with AI.
Foster Community Support: Engage in communities on platforms like Stack Overflow or Reddit. Share experiences honestly and mentor those getting started.
Promote Lifelong Learning: Institutions and educators should create ethical awareness around tools like vibe coding. Reinforce the idea that continued programming education is vital and that innovation in technology doesn't negate the need for foundational coding practices.

Conclusion: Arsturn to the Rescue

As we dive into the future of coding and AI, it's important not to forget the fundamentals that have always been key to a successful programming career; this is where tools like Arsturn can shine. A no-code AI chatbot builder designed to boost engagement and conversions can help new coders understand data structures, analytics, and similar topics without diving straight into complex coding practices.

With Arsturn, you can create custom chatbots that engage your audience and provide instant responses to inquiries, all while enhancing your understanding coding along the way. As you or new coders dabble with chatbot creation, you can focus on the fun aspects of coding without the overwhelming syntax issues.

Ultimately, the rise of vibe coding is exciting. However, maintaining a balance is crucial—ensuring that new coders are encouraged to learn while leveraging emerging technologies innovatively and ethically. It’s a changing landscape, and being a well-rounded programmer relies on thorough understanding and continuous practice.