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The introduction of generative AI tools has enabled certain tasks to be done much faster and efficiently. One that stands out most to me is its use to help with programming. In my second year of my Bachelor in Economics we had an introduction to R and Python course. During this time, we didn’t have any ChatGTP or other generative AI tools that could help with the exercises. Google and other resources would not be specific when helping debug errors. We would often rely on advice from upper-years or teacher assistants, however they also weren’t available to help at all times. Thus the coding exercises felt frustrating, tedious and time-consuming. Especially when programming for econometrics courses I would spend most of the time coding while the economic objective would be of greater importance. 

Now with Generative AI I have a more positive experience with coding. When facing certain challenges I use AI to help with the codes for data visualization and analysis. I have assistance available at all times and can solve specific errors. Additionally, I can personalize the visualisation more to my liking. The use of Generative AI tools helps me have more time to focus on important aspects such as data collection and analysing data results.

Experiencing this shift did make me wonder: is learning coding necessary for the future? Already in the workforce the Amazon CEO is hiring less software engineers (Maruf, 2025). In the last two years, more than 30% of computer programming jobs have disappeared in the USA (Van Dam, 2025). It is especially evident that beginner-level programming jobs are disappearing. While coding has become more accessible with AI, there is now a shift in the skill set required for programmers. Instead of writing the physical code, programmers are expected to audit the code and evaluate biases as a result of generative AI tools. Overall, to answer the title question, I do not think the coding classes are useless for the future, as humans will still be necessary for the foundational coding knowledge to monitor the AI responses. 

References:

Van Dam, A. (2025, March 14). More than a quarter of computer-programming jobs just vanished. What happened? The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/03/14/programming-jobs-lost-artificial-intelligence/

Maruf, R. (2025, June 17). Amazon AI to replace many human employees. CNN Business. https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/17/business/amazon-ai-human-employees-jobs

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Augmented reality has been slowly entering the cosmetics, beauty and fashion industry in the last decade. There is a strong demand for beauty companies to shift to online platforms due to greater personalization and social networks being used for product discovery (Mattan, 2025). As of 2023, L’Oreal is considered to have the greatest market share in the cosmetics industry (Petruzzi, 2025). To stay competitive in this market it proceeded to utilize more tech-driven strategies. L’Oréal acquired ModiFace, a beauty-tech company, in 2018 to transform the beauty industry by including augmented reality. One of the current AR technologies being used are Virtual Try-on for make-up, foundation and hair color. The make-up one detects 63 orientation points on the face and has more than 400 shades to test (L’Oréal Paris, n.d.). The tools were developed using artificial intelligence that analyzed images of women from different skin tones and ages. They also use facial tracking methods to detect the main orientation points on the face.

In the beauty industry many consumers may have purchase uncertainty. This is especially a problem for companies that sell a wide range of shades and products. Personally I have experienced these same barriers when it comes to my cosmetics purchasing behavior. Hence this digital make-up tester is very relevant for the future of the cosmetics industry. It helps customers overstep the barrier of buying new cosmetics products as they don’t want to waste money or energy to look for the perfect product. Additionally, purchase dissatisfaction and returns can be reduced when products are tested virtually. Overall, it leads to a more be engaged audience and possibility to give personalized advice. Virtual try-ons have boosted customer engagement by 80% (Bošković, 2024). AR in the cosmetics and beauty industry might soon be necessary for all brands to ensure their products remain competitive in this market.

On the other hand augmented reality could not replace the beauty in-store retail experience. There might be trust and legitimacy issues. Some customers might be concerned whether the phone simulator gives an accurate depiction of real life. The lighting conditions may influence how the product looks. There is also a fear that the AR technology will make the user look airbrushed and unrealistic. Mehroff (2021) concluded in their research that it is almost impossible to accurately convey textures and colours. They especially focused on luxury make-up brands. Where they saw that newer generations, such as gen z and millennials, are open to brands exploring new technology and innovation when it comes to luxury products, while older generations prefer to stick to traditional sales methods. While there are some drawbacks to augmented reality in the cosmetics industry, there is great potential for developments that could lead to a complete shift in the business model.

References:

Bošković, G. (2024, November 22). Is a virtual makeup try-on worth it? Key benefits of virtual try-ons for cosmetic brands. Arbelle. https://arbelle.ai/key-benefits-of-virtual-try-on-for-brands/

L’Oréal Paris. (n.d.). Try-On Haarkleuring. L’Oréal Paris. https://www.loreal-paris.nl/haarkleuring-virtueel-testen

Moody Mattan. (2025, January 23). Augmented Reality in the Beauty Industry. BrandXR. https://www.brandxr.io/augmented-reality-in-the-beauty-industry

Petruzzi, D. (2025, August 14). Cosmetics industry – statistics & facts. Statista. https://www.statista.com/topics/3137/cosmetics-industry/#topicOverview