Everyone’s vibe coding - Today, Explained Recap

Podcast: Today, Explained

Published: 2026-03-19

Guests: Lauren Goode, Clive Thompson

What Happened

Sean Ramistrom expressed concerns about AI taking over jobs, noting The Washington Post's AI-generated news podcast that still makes factual errors. Ironically, AI is already replacing jobs like web developers through a method called vibe coding, where people write code through conversation with AI. This method allows users to create websites by simply describing what they want.

Lauren Goode from Wired highlighted how vibe coding is revolutionizing web development. She explained that users can iteratively create tools without needing to know traditional coding. Sean and Lauren experimented with vibe coding, creating a website that determines if a job is at risk of being replaced by AI. The site humorously predicted that journalists would be replaced between 2025 and 2028, suggesting a pivot to investigative work.

Clive Thompson, author of 'Coders', discussed how vibe coding could lead to a significant transformation in software development. He described how some coders are using AI to manage multiple agents, allowing them to create and test code much faster than before. This approach enables the execution of numerous ideas quickly, although it also introduces risks like poor-quality code and security vulnerabilities.

Thompson noted a division in the coding community regarding the ethics and consequences of vibe coding. Some developers appreciate the efficiency and creativity it enables, while others worry about the de-skilling of the profession and potential security issues. Despite these concerns, vibe coding is gaining popularity for its ability to increase productivity exponentially.

The conversation also touched on the potential risks of vibe-coded websites from a security standpoint. Websites created through vibe coding might lack basic security measures, posing risks for users who input personal information. There's a concern that vibe coding could lead to technical debt and security vulnerabilities if not managed properly.

Ultimately, while vibe coding is revolutionizing how developers work, it raises questions about the future of programming. The transition might not eliminate the need for traditional coding skills, but it could democratize software development, allowing more people to create customized software solutions. This shift might enable the creation of software for niche purposes, significantly altering the landscape of the industry.

Key Insights

• Vibe coding allows individuals to create websites and software by conversing with AI, eliminating the need for traditional coding skills. Users can input prompts, and the AI generates code to build the desired product.
• AI-generated coding can significantly increase productivity, with some startups reporting 20 times faster development. This speed allows rapid testing and iteration of ideas, which is especially beneficial for startups.
• Security risks are a major concern with vibe coding. Generated code might lack adequate security, posing risks for both developers and users. Ensuring robust security measures is crucial to prevent vulnerabilities.
• The coding community is divided over vibe coding's impact. While it offers increased productivity and creativity, there are fears about de-skilling and ethical concerns regarding the use of large language models.