In 2025, creating software became remarkably easier due to advancements in AI, allowing developers to generate significant amounts of code from simple prompts. However, this led to a troubling trend: the emergence of "pump and dump" schemes in the software industry. One example cited is Cursor, which spent millions on a flawed browser that never became marketable. The company used it as a marketing tool to inflate its valuation, indicating a shift in how software projects are approached. By early 2026, a project called "gastown" attracted attention for its chaotic coding style. Initially dismissed as nonsensical, it garnered hype from tech blogs and social media influencers. The project creator even accepted donations from cryptocurrency enthusiasts, revealing how intertwined hype, crypto investments, and subpar software development had become. Developers, eager to avoid missing out on the latest AI tools, began promoting these dubious products, amplifying the cycle of hype. The cycle is straightforward: a developer invests in AI tokens, creates a barely functional product, and relies on social media and crypto connections to build interest. Once enough traction is gained, they cash out, leaving behind an unmanageable codebase. This pattern not only harms developers and investors but also taints the reputation of genuine software innovation. The author predicts that this trend will continue throughout 2026, leading to more hype-driven projects with little substance.