Claude Code Creator Boris Cherny Warns AI Agents Could Soon Transform Online Jobs

New Delhi | 24 Feb 2026 A senior engineer at Anthropic has warned that a new wave of artificial intelligence could soon change how internet-based jobs work across the United States. Boris Cherny, the mind behind Claude Code, said AI systems are rapidly evolving from simple chat tools into agents that can independently operate computers, software, and digital platforms. According to him, the impact may arrive much faster than people expect. Cherny shared his views during an appearance on Lenny's Podcast, hosted by Lenny Rachitsky. He explained that AI is moving beyond writing text or code and is learning to perform full computer-based tasks on its own. “It's going to expand to pretty much any kind of work that you can do on a computer,” he said, adding, “In the meantime, it's going to be very disruptive. It's going to be painful for a lot of people.” Speaking separately on Y Combinator’s “Lightcone” podcast, Cherny also reflected on how traditional tech roles may soon change. He suggested that the job title of software engineer could begin to “go away” by 2026 as AI takes over many coding responsibilities. While he acknowledged the efficiency gains, he stressed that the wider social effects are still uncertain. “As a society, this is a conversation we have to figure out together,” he said. Despite the concerns, Cherny urged professionals not to panic. He encouraged workers to understand and adapt to AI rather than resist it. “Don't be scared of them,” he advised, adding that learning how these tools work will be crucial as automation becomes more common. He also pointed out that AI could make software creation more accessible, saying, “Anyone can just build software anytime.” Boris Cherny is best known for creating Claude Code, an AI-powered development tool at Anthropic. The company recently introduced a product called Cowork, which drew attention after Cherny revealed how it was built. When asked on X how much of the tool was created by AI using Claude Code, he replied simply, “All of it.” AI Will Change Online Jobs Faster Than Expected, Warns Claude Code Creator Boris Cherny Boris Cherny, a senior engineer at Anthropic and the creator of Claude Code, has warned that artificial intelligence is set to change internet-based jobs much sooner than people think. Cherny said AI is no longer limited to chatbots and writing tools but is quickly evolving into systems that can operate computers and software on their own. Sharing his views on “Lenny's Podcast,” Cherny said young people should rely on their own understanding of the future instead of traditional advice. “It's going to expand to pretty much any kind of work that you can do on a computer,” he said. He also cautioned that the transition will not be easy, adding, “In the meantime, it's going to be very disruptive. It's going to be painful for a lot of people.” In another discussion, Cherny suggested that even the role of a software engineer could change in the coming years. He said the title itself may begin to “go away” by 2026 as AI takes over many coding tasks. At the same time, he stressed that society needs to openly discuss these changes. “As a society, this is a conversation we have to figure out together,” he said. Despite the disruption, Cherny advised people not to fear AI but to learn how to work with it. “Don't be scared of them,” he said, encouraging professionals to explore AI tools and adapt. Highlighting how powerful the technology has become, he revealed that a recent Anthropic product was built almost entirely using AI, saying simply, “All of it.”