Anxiety And AI: Why Does Artificial Intelligence Evoke Anxiety?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of daily life for some, shaping industries and jobs. While this technological change in the future of work can bring excitement, it can also incite anxiety and concern about the displacement of jobs. To understand AI, it may be helpful to explore the evolution of the technology, why it might evoke experiences of anxiety, and the realities of AI’s impact on the job market. 

The evolution of artificial intelligence

The journey of artificial intelligence (AI) has been filled with significant advancements and breakthroughs. Its roots can be traced back to the mid-20th century, but its true evolution has occurred over the last few decades.

The early years were characterized by optimism and rapid development, with researchers creating machines capable of simulating basic human cognitive functions. In the 1950s, Alan Turing proposed the Turing Test. In the 1960s, the first chatbot, Eliza, was developed.

However, AI’s progress experienced a slowdown in the 1970s and 1980s, often referred to as the “AI winter.” This slowdown was due to various factors, including a lack of computational power and a limited understanding of human cognition. Despite these setbacks, these years were crucial for researchers and for laying the groundwork for future advancements.

The current landscape: Integration into health care, finance, & other industries

With the explosion of big data in the 21st century, artificial intelligence experienced another surge. Machine learning algorithms were fed enormous datasets, helping them become more sophisticated and accurate. This change led to the development of deep learning, where artificial neural networks — inspired by the human brain — enabled machines to process and learn from complex, unstructured data.

AI in health care and several industries

Today, it has become integral to several industries, from healthcare to finance and education to entertainment. Its capabilities have grown exponentially, simulating humanlike tasks and learning, adapting, and improving over time. Artificial intelligence can now recognize patterns in data, understand natural language, interpret images, and mimic human creativity. 

With such rapid development and integration into society, some people may wonder how it can affect their day-to-day operations, including how the job market may be impacted. 

Generative AI and job displacement: A cause for AI anxiety?

The fear of AI causing significant disruption in the professional sector can be a legitimate concern. For some, the term “AI” evokes images of robots and machines taking over tasks traditionally performed by humans. While it can automate specific jobs — particularly routine, repetitive tasks — the actual impact may be more nuanced.

Anxiety and AI: potential job losses

The potential for job losses can vary significantly across white-collar industries in particular:

• For market research analysts, for example, robots can find and compile a high volume of market trends.
• In the retail industry, chatbots that handle customer inquiries and self-checkout systems at grocery stores may eliminate some customer service representative roles.
• In the legal industry, AI has the capacity to automate specific tasks.
• Machine-learning algorithms can sift through documents of legal research faster and more accurately than human legal assistants.
• In the customer service sector, AI can automate a high volume of routine inquiries.
• At tech companies, large language models can write code faster than their human counterparts.
• Graphic design firms can create AI-generated content faster than human graphic designers.

Perceiving new technologies positively

However, rather than viewing artificial intelligence as a replacement for human careers, it may be constructive to see it as a partner to human effort. According to the McKinsey Global Institute, “Generative AI could enable labor productivity growth of 0.1% to 0.6% annually through 2040.” It excels at repetitive tasks, processing vast amounts of data, and performing functions quickly and accurately. However, humans have creativity, emotional understanding, ethical judgment, and complex decision-making, and these remain in-demand skills.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a job creator

Despite the narrative of AI as a career displacer, looking at the other side of the coin may be helpful: AI as a career creator. Each technological revolution throughout history, while rendering specific jobs obsolete, has also led to the creation of new jobs and industries. The advent of artificial intelligence may not be different.

For example, with the rise of generative technologies, there may be increased demand for AI software developers and programmers, data analysts, cybersecurity professionals, and ethical consultants. Companies seek talent to create, implement, and manage AI systems. These novel jobs focus on developing artificial intelligence skills.

In addition, AI tools open doors to new jobs people may not yet have envisioned. For instance, as these systems become more complex, there could be a need for “AI trainers,” or people who teach systems how to perform tasks and behave. There could also be a growing demand for “AI ethicists,” or professionals who navigate the ethical dilemmas presented by this technology. 

Adapting to an AI-driven workforce

To ease anxieties surrounding AI and career security, adaptation may be valuable. To adapt, it may be beneficial to learn new skills and be flexible in response to changing professional requirements. As AI takes over more routine tasks, the human workforce can focus on areas that require a human touch, such as critical thinking, creative tasks, strategic planning, and empathetic communication.

Continuous learning may be a critical tool in an AI-driven era. This step might involve gaining new technical skills, using artificial intelligence tools, or honing transferable soft skills like emotional intelligence, leadership, and collaboration. In addition to individuals adapting, businesses and educational institutions can also facilitate this transition. Companies can invest in training programs to help their employees acquire skills in working alongside new technological advances. Universities and colleges can revise their curriculums to reflect the changing market, emphasizing technical and soft skills that artificial intelligence can’t replicate.

Viewing new technologies as a tool

To alleviate anxiety around AI’s impact on jobs, viewing this innovative technology not as a threat but as a tool you can leverage to innovate, increase productivity, and create new opportunities may be helpful.

World Economic Forum: Preparing for the future through education

According to the World Economic Forum, “It will be critical to involve people and experts from the most diverse backgrounds possible in guiding this technology in ways that enhance human capabilities and lead to positive outcomes.” Given the changing landscape, society’s approach to education and training may benefit from evolution. Focusing more on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) fields and developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills from an early age in school may be beneficial.

Continuous learning and upskilling can be encouraged regarding technical skills and soft skills like emotional intelligence, adaptability, and collaboration. Lifelong learning can be essential for staying relevant in the AI-influenced market.

AI and mental well-being

Job anxiety related to AI may not only relate to position security but also stem from the pressure to continuously upskill and adapt to new technologies. As you navigate this transition, prioritizing mental well-being can also be essential. Whether you are a graphic designer, associate professor, or investment analyst, taking care of your mental health can be your No. 1 priority while exploring the new AI-driven landscape.

During this transition, employers can support their employees by providing learning opportunities, fostering a culture of adaptability, and providing mental health support. Individuals, on their part, can seek support if they’re overwhelmed, maintain a work-life balance, spend time in nature, and engage in regular self-care.

Improving mental health: support options for anxiety and AI concerns

If you’re struggling to cope with the rapidly changing landscape, it may be helpful to talk to a therapist. However, barriers to in-person therapy may lead to some people not seeking support. In these cases, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be beneficial. 

Online therapy for AI anxiety

Online therapy has been shown to be effective in managing anxiety, such as anxiety related to artificial intelligence and the fear of displacement. Digital platforms provide easy reach to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), one of the most effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

An online therapist can guide you in developing coping mechanisms, reframing negative thoughts about AI, and fostering a growth mindset to navigate the changing workforce. The ability to get these services remotely and flexibly can also ease the additional stress of finding time for traditional, in-person therapy sessions, making online therapy a powerful tool for managing and mitigating anxiety incited by the evolving landscape of AI.