AI cuts coding time, but it's also filling open source's inbox with crap
According to Linux Foundation research, maintainers estimate 25% of incoming pull requests are AI-generated low-quality contributions. While GenAI reduced code-authoring time by 52% on average, only 35% of projects have formal policies governing AI use, and 32% lack any policy. The survey found 71% of maintainers agree AI lowered contribution barriers, but only 53% believe it improved community trust. Highly complex tasks saw some developers spending more time due to AI.
Key points
- Maintainers report 25% of pull requests are low-quality AI-generated 'slop'
- GenAI cuts average coding time by 52%, but creates governance challenges
- Only 35% of projects have formal AI use policies; 32% have none
- 71% see lower contribution barriers; 53% worry trust has declined
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