AI anxiety: Calm in the face of change

Therapists across the globe are dealing with a new type of client coming into their office – patients plagued by AI anxiety. Individuals of all ages and across the world are searching for “AI anxiety” and “AI stress.”

Of course, AI anxiety is not limited to clinical anxiety. As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more ubiquitous and commonly mentioned, many of us start wondering what these technological advances mean for us individually. From the ways we communicate with each other, to how we shop online, work and travel, AI is having an impact. And while some see the changes as exciting and promising, many people have difficulty shaking off fears or concerns.

Defining AI anxiety

While there isn’t a universal definition, AI anxiety can be defined as the apprehension and stress individuals may feel about AI's increasing presence and influence in various aspects of life. From wondering if AI will make certain jobs obsolete to privacy concerns, AI's impact is far-reaching and often uncertain, leading to a sense of unease for many people.

• “The AI Anxiety in Business Survey is based on findings from 1,000 employed US workers at least somewhat familiar with artificial intelligence (AI) about their perception of and experience with AI-backed technologies, revealing a majority (71%) of employees are concerned about AI.”
  
• “According to a new study by meditation and mindfulness app Calm, nearly one-third of adults (29%) are anxious about AI, with 18% describing their feelings as fear or dread. 21% cited feeling optimistic or excited, yet expressed concerns about how AI may impact the future of work and human creativity.”

Most people are likely to fall somewhere on the spectrum between “slightly anxious about AI” and “thoughts of AI keep you up at night.” Regardless of how many gray hairs you’ve gotten due to AI, it may be useful to pause and inspect your AI anxiety so that you can understand its impact on your life and assess a plan for the future.

Understand the cause of AI anxiety

The starting point is to get clear on what exactly is going on. AI anxiety is an umbrella term that can conceal a variety of causes and concerns. While the symptoms may be the same, the causes of anxiety differ.  

Lack of clarity about AI tech

General unfamiliarity with AI technology might be a cause of some anxiety. If you’ve heard the two letters but don’t feel comfortable explaining AI to a fifth grader, you may feel anxious as you see hundreds of articles assigning amazing human advancement and destruction of humanity to AI. In that case, your anxiety may be a natural human response to uncertainty and information gaps.

Job concerns

Sometimes AI anxiety stems from the fear of job displacement or being replaced. Innovation often comes with a shift in the labor market and demanded skills, resulting in some roles becoming automated or skills less desirable. Consider how many lamplighters or telegraphists you know. So, it is natural for us to look at our current roles and career trajectories with a critical eye.  

Fear of missing out

On the other hand, several people may feel they must jump on the AI train out of fear of missing out. As we see the potential of AI to increase efficiency, productivity and automation, many of us may be anxious that we are falling behind the curve by not having AI complete all or most of our tasks. This pressure to adopt faster than we can adapt can quickly become a source of anxiety.

Ethical AI concerns

A growing number of people understand the benefits and risks of AI but are concerned about society’s ability to use AI responsibly and ethically. Stories of AI promoting biased practices or causing privacy breaches highlight the existing personal risks and headlines about using AI in military contexts to accentuate existential fears.

These fears are distinctly different, but we can often group them under the same general term, “AI anxiety.” All the same, understanding the primary motivators can help you process and adjust.

Focus on a specific solution

Once you've pinpointed the cause of your AI anxiety, you can focus on specific solutions. There is a chance that your anxiety might be caused by a multitude of factors, so you may need to consider multiple solutions.

If your fears are driven by limited knowledge of AI, the best strategy is to combat that fear with knowledge. Understanding AI's principles and applications can demystify the technology and alleviate anxiety. Find an introductory course on AI – luckily, there are dozens of great options available for free. Consider picking up a book on the topic or attending a webinar. Knowledge is power and can help you control your fears.

If your concerns stem from the fear of displacement, take time to reflect on your current role and career path. Consider areas where you can enhance your skills or pivot to new opportunities. Make sure you capitalize on existing resources that can assist you in transitioning if necessary, such as career counseling or professional development programs provided by your employer, nonprofits or local library. You may also consider discussing how AI can benefit or affect your role with your leadership.

Discussions with colleagues and leadership may also be beneficial to ensure your organization is using AI intentionally and strategically. A clear AI strategy that aligns with your organization's objectives and values is essential.

If your fears stem from concerns about society’s ability to use AI responsibly, then you need to decide how involved you want to be. You may decide that you are ready to move to other pressing matters, or you may feel inspired and moved to get involved in AI discussions further.

If you are passionate about responsible innovation, engage in developing AI literacy within your communities, discuss the need to regulate AI with your local representatives or organize a brainstorm for AI within your professional associations. Now is the time for a focused and intentional approach to AI, and it is essential to bring in diverse perspectives and a variety of stakeholders.

Continue learning and engaging

Hopefully, the suggestions above help you begin addressing AI anxiety. It is important to remember that not everyone needs to be an AI expert or a techie. However, it may be useful to have a common understanding of the landscape.

For example, I am not an electrician and can barely explain how the power supply to my house works. However, I know not to blow dry my hair in the shower or let my dog lick the outlets.

Invest in continuous learning to stay relevant as AI continues its rapid rise. This could involve taking courses, attending workshops or seeking mentorship to develop new skills. This constant learning will teach you not to fuel ignorance-driven anxiety – it will also help you identify trends in the market and give you the language and tools to engage in discussions about the benefits and risks of AI.

Learn more about trustworthy AI solutions from SAS

Please note: This piece is not medical or mental health advice. If you need mental health support, please reach out to a professional or call a national support hotline – 988 in the US.

About Kristi Boyd

Kristi Boyd is a Trustworthy AI Specialist with the SAS Data Ethics Practice. She supports SAS' trustworthy AI strategy with a focus on presales, sales and consulting teams. She is passionate about responsible innovation and has an R&D background as a QA engineer and product manager. Check out more content she's written on SAS blogs.