A survey of 5,463 developers conducted between July 5 and September 5, 2026, found that nearly half reported job insecurity and insufficient wages, with a quarter having experienced layoffs at some point in their careers and 9% laid off within the past nine months. Over a quarter anticipated changing careers within five years due to factors beyond their control.

Burnout remains prevalent, with 62% of respondents reporting they had experienced it at some point—matching last year's rate. Mental health indicators showed troubling trends: two-thirds felt less motivated and more cynical, half struggled with focus or procrastinated more, and nearly half reported reduced accomplishment or effectiveness at work. Sleep disturbances and difficulty disconnecting from work were also common.

Regarding AI, 49% of developers expressed positive views while 42% held negative ones, with responses spanning a spectrum from strong negativity to strong positivity. Nearly half believed AI had no positive impact on their mental state, and early evidence suggested overreliance could lead to cognitive overload or 'AI brainfry.' Developers raised concerns about unsustainable productivity expectations and the need for safe, responsible AI integration.

Workplace discrimination persisted unevenly: women were significantly more likely to face discrimination than men, with many altering behavior or careers to navigate hostile environments. LGBT+ respondents and those with ADHD or autism also reported pressure to conceal identities, correlating with higher burnout risks. When asked about emotional responses to the tech industry, the most common descriptors were exhaustion and disillusionment, though curiosity and hope persisted amid uncertainty.

The survey underscored ongoing tensions between rapid technological change and slow cultural progress in software development.