The “right now” answer (the answer that might be obsolete a half a year from now):
figure out the overarching “grand design” of your code or your classes. If you need AI to get a general idea of how a class should be written, use it and don’t feel bad- but do not have AI write the entire class.
Instead, figure out what each function should do then either write it yourself or have AI write the function as long as you give AI clear instructions for what the function should return and what parameters it should take. In other words embrace AI in writing static functions- it excels with these. For writing entire classes, you need to do the brain work because the project will fail if too much “gets away from you” scope wise.
If figuring out the structure of your code is still too hard- that’s fine- have AI do it. Just don’t let AI actually write the entire class.
LLMs like ChatGPT are dangerous for people to use regularly because they provide an unlimited well of instant, unconditional validation. Our brains are not designed to receive this. They are addictive and mind-altering: see “AI-induced psychosis.” OP, you are experiencing this dopamine overload. Stop using AI and start thinking for yourself and asking other humans for assistance if you need it.
And yes, they do degrade your ability to think critically.
[Edit previous post deleted because it might deliberately offend fanatics]
The big corps are likely to keep using, probably making games and other media easier and cheaper to produce. But a lot of people including myself only make games because they enjoy the work.