Linux Foundation study: 25% of open-source pull requests are low-quality AI output

The Linux Foundation published research on generative AI's impact on open-source development. The study found GenAI can halve coding time across OSS tasks, and 59% of maintainers see growing AI-based contributions. However, 25% of incoming pull requests are estimated to be low-quality "AI slop." 71% of maintainers agreed that GenAI lowers barriers to entry for new contributors.

What the Linux Foundation measured

• 25% of new pull requests classified as low-quality AI-generated submissions
• 50% reduction in coding time reported across all OSS development task types
• 59% of project maintainers observed growing GenAI-based contributions
• 71% of maintainers agreed GenAI reduces barriers to entry for newcomers
• Study published by Linux Foundation Research, full report available at linuxfoundation.org

Why it matters

The 25% slop rate suggests maintainer burnout may worsen as review overhead grows, potentially counteracting the claimed 50% productivity benefit. The finding that 71% of maintainers see lower barriers to entry may also indicate an influx of underprepared contributors relying on AI tools rather than developing skills.