Egor and Katya realize they're getting left behind as developers stop writing code and become AI agents.
The episode begins with hosts Egor Tolstoy and Evgeniy Kotella introducing the topic of Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) after feeling left behind following an interview with a developer who used AI tools to become ten times more effective. They invite guest Evgeny Kot, a VP of Engineering at a crypto startup with a psychology education, to discuss FOMO's psychological aspects. Evgeny explains that FOMO was first studied in 2013, revealing correlations with young men, social media use, and low satisfaction in autonomy, competence, and connection. The hosts share personal FOMO experiences, such as comparing themselves to successful Silicon Valley startups or feeling anxious about AI replacing jobs. The conversation delves into how social networks expand comparison circles, using examples like a nine-year-old Korean guitar prodigy, and how algorithms feed anxiety. Evgeny distinguishes between healthy FOMO as motivation and destructive anxiety that leads to burnout and superficial knowledge. They discuss AI's role in exacerbating FOMO, with narratives about tools replacing developers, but also note that changes in IT are constant. Practical advice includes digital hygiene, such as using RSS feeds and timers for social media, trying AI tools to understand the landscape, and focusing on skill development rather than panic. Evgeny emphasizes that fear is a feeling to manage through self-reflection or professional help, and that no one fully understands the rapidly changing world. The episode concludes with reminders to subscribe to Podlodka's channels and a lighthearted exchange about preparation.
