AI sparks bizarre 'open laptop' trend among tech workers

Tech workers are now walking through airports and offices with their laptops half-open to keep their OpenAI agents running.

As reported by Business Insider, the strange habit sees techies go to great lengths to avoid losing their work. This "agent-mania" is becoming a common sight.

The phenomenon stems from a need to keep AI coding tools running. Many of these tools run locally or depend on Wi-Fi, so shutting down would mean losing progress.

Golden Ventures partner Alison Kaizer was one such person. The 39-year-old was the last to board her flight, walking on the plane with her laptop ajar.

Kaizer later admitted the saga was "kind of embarrassing". She felt she had to explain herself to the person queuing behind her.

"I looked over my shoulder... and said, 'Sorry, I'm using Claude,'" Kaizer explained. "They laughed, so there was an understanding immediately."

The trend is so widespread that OpenAI itself acknowledged it. The company posted a TikTok video winking at those in the know. It's not just in airports. A head of product at Raven.AI takes his two daughters ice skating and codes at the rink with his laptop.

The 39-year-old father joins other parents in the changing room with his laptop still ajar. He unties his daughters' skates while checking if the AI is done.

Arav Jain, a 15-year-old, walks his high school halls with his computer open. He is building a startup with his cousin.

"I'm like, 'I got agents running,'" Jain told the publication. "I've got to keep shipping software."

This "always-on" work culture is raising serious concerns. A recent report found 83 per cent of workers are experiencing burnout, with tech being hit hard.

While AI is meant to boost efficiency, it's also blurring work-life lines. Some organisations report development cycle cuts of 30-60 per cent thanks to AI. The pressure to constantly learn and adapt is taking a toll. People are finding creative ways to be discreet about their habit.

Will Meinhardt, a 25-year-old head of sales, has walked with his laptop open just a crack. He wanted to avoid anyone looking at his screen.

"I was personally kind of embarrassed by it," Meinhardt said. "I was being discreet about it."

David Whipps, 37, turns his laptop into a "little taco." He had to leave a café before his 30-minute AI task was finished.

Researcher Rebecca Bultsma, 44, leaves hers as a "clamshell" in her bag. She gets strange looks all the time.

"I think people think I'm whatever the equivalent of an iPad kid is for a middle-aged woman," Bultsma said.

For some, like former Apple engineer Tim Monzures, it is becoming normal. The 40-year-old said he often sees others doing it in San Francisco.

"I may look silly carrying a laptop, but I'm not the only one," Monzures said. "I've seen others, so I feel good."