AI hype is everywhere—some claim it’s making developers worse, while others hail it as the next revolution. But is this truly the dawn of a new era, or just another cycle in a long line of tech transformations? In this lively session, we’ll journey back to the days of mainframes, trace the rise of personal computing, and relive the dotcom and mobile booms to see what lessons they hold for us now. We’ll examine the real impacts of AI on engineers—both the good and the questionable—and weigh whether today’s changes genuinely warrant the “this time it’s different” mantra. Along the way, expect humorous anecdotes, practical insights, and a candid look at how to navigate AI’s opportunities without losing the essence of what makes us skilled, creative technologists. I hope you walk away with a deeper understanding of how AI fits into the broader story of innovation—and how to stay sharp and adaptable through it all.