You're touching on utility.

We only ever bother learning something because it's interesting, or useful.

Things get muddier when you consider economy. Businesses exist to make money, and money is time.

AI is just another tool for business to manage time.

The 'dependency' and 'lock-in' are business leader issues honestly.

If you care about your craft, your skills, then you'll keep them sharp. You probably already enjoyed programming and it never felt like work.

On the other hand, if programming is just skills to pay the bills, then AI really can help you be more productive.

But then it's up to businesses to look ahead, manage their resources (human resources lol) and keep the business alive.

That means leaning on AI, simply become 'everyone else is doing it' and you have to compete for dollars.

Most people don't care how the sausage is made as long as it's presented well, and tastes great.