Amazon has issued an internal memo outlining AI usage guidelines, discouraging employees from "tokenmaxxing" (overusing AI tools without regard for output), and redefining the roles of software development engineers and managers in the AI era. The memo states that metrics such as token usage, AI tool adoption rates, and code changes or reviews are "serious flaws" in measurement, potentially leading to increased costs and complexity. It emphasizes that the effectiveness of AI use should be measured by "long-term outcomes" and advises employees against using AI for unsuitable tasks. The memo was circulated internally in September and published on the company's website this Tuesday.