Stack Overflow Survey: 45.1% of Developers Call Themselves Complacent
Stack Overflow's annual survey of 30,000 developers in 169 countries also found 65.9% use AI assistants or agents, while 17% worry AI may replace them.
Stack Overflow has published its annual developer survey, drawing responses from 30,000 developers across 169 countries, according to techradar.com.
The survey found that 45.1% of respondents described themselves as complacent in their current roles. Of that group, 21.1% cited burnout or fatigue as the main cause. Across all respondents, 32.6% described themselves as unhappy, while 22.3% said they were happy.
On AI, 65.9% of developers said they use AI assistants or agents, while 17.2% said they do not use AI tools. 17% of respondents said they are concerned AI may replace them.
10.5% of respondents said they freelance or are sole proprietors, a share that stood at 3.9% in the previous year's survey, conducted in October 2025.
Quick answers
How many developers took part in the Stack Overflow survey?
The survey collected responses from 30,000 developers across 169 countries.
What share of developers use AI assistants or agents?
65.9% of respondents said they use AI assistants or agents, while 17.2% said they do not use AI tools.
How many developers are worried AI may replace them?
17% of respondents said they are concerned AI may replace them.