A Cake in a Pile of Crap: It's 2025, So Why Still Choose Computer Science?

Seeing a post from a computer science undergraduate asking, “Is it still worth choosing computer science this year?” I’d like to share my thoughts on this.

Computers Are Not the Same as the Internet, but for many people, the term “computer” is often synonymous with the internet. The discussion below is all about the internet industry.

1 The Current State of the Internet Industry

So, what’s the reality of the internet industry today? E-commerce traffic has dropped significantly, and this year’s Double 11 shopping festival passed by almost unnoticed. Meanwhile, video traffic continues to grow, with major companies locked in fierce competition, racing to develop and integrate AI functionalities. At the same time, salary cuts and layoffs have become the norm, with job openings shrinking drastically. A lateral move without a pay cut is considered lucky for job hoppers, and many are forced to accept lower salaries. Job requirements have risen, making it increasingly challenging for graduates to find jobs. Even if they do, salaries are often much lower than before, especially for positions outside top-tier companies. This is being called the toughest job market in history. Yet, in this grim situation, JD.com has made waves by giving its employees a pay raise—a rare and surprising move.

2 IT Industry Salaries: High but at a Cost

When it comes to pay, the IT industry is indeed lucrative, particularly in high-paying roles within the computer field. These positions are among the few that can support the high housing prices in major cities. However, in China, this is not a “healthy and sustainable” industry. It’s more like a labor-intensive sector that “feeds on youth,” with the infamous “35-year-old crisis” looming over most professionals in the field.

3 Comparing with Other Professions

Let’s look at other professions.

Teaching is a job many envy—it has high social status and comes with summer and winter breaks. But as birth rates continue to plummet, teaching positions are expected to become oversaturated in the future. Moreover, teachers’ salaries are relatively low compared to their societal standing.

Doctors, on the other hand, enjoy both high social status and respect. However, the barriers to entry are incredibly high. Becoming a doctor requires at least a decade of education, followed by grueling residency training. By the time a doctor can truly take on responsibilities independently, they’re often nearing 30. On top of that, they endure night shifts and irregular hours, which take a toll on their health. While doctors don’t face a “35-year-old crisis,” the pressure and health risks they bear shouldn’t be ignored. On the upside, doctors tend to grow more valuable with age and experience.

4 Misconceptions About Technology and Programmers

There’s a popular opinion online: as technology advances and programming becomes easier, programmers are becoming less valuable. I don’t agree with this. Technological advancement represents an increase in productivity, enabling us to solve harder, larger, and more complex problems. It’s the use of outdated and inefficient technologies that leads to diminished value, whereas cutting-edge expertise remains highly prized. Think of it this way: a horse-drawn carriage driver today can’t compete with an airplane pilot.

Another factor contributing to programmers’ perceived devaluation is the declining market demand. With supply exceeding demand, the value of programmers has naturally decreased.

5 The Reality of the Computer Industry

Coming back to the computer industry: choosing this path today is akin to “joining the Nationalist Army in 1949,” as some internet users put it. Others jokingly call it “cyber civil engineering.” Even though the industry is declining and entry barriers are rising, it’s still possible to make a decent living. One netizen aptly commented, “In the past, people chose computer science because it was the only cake in a pile of crap. Now, people choose it because this particular pile of crap smells slightly better.”

6 The Price to Pay

But what’s the cost? A short career lifecycle, intense workloads, high stress, and an imbalance between work and life. Once you enter this field, the price you pay is already baked into the seemingly high salary. Is it worth it? That depends on your long-term planning. Some industries get easier as you work longer, while others get scarier. The extra money you earn might not be enough to buy back your health or secure family harmony.

7 The Uncertain Future of the Computer Industry

What does the future hold for the computer industry? To be honest, no one can predict the future with absolute certainty. The best approach is to prepare for the worst and remain flexible in your plans. If you’re passionate about this industry, the high salary is a bonus. But if money is your sole motivation, it might be hard to sustain yourself in the long run.

This is both a dark time and a time ripe for innovation. It’s an era for the brave and adventurous. When all roads seem blocked, the only option is to forge a new path forward.