4 practical steps from a mental health standpoint
Do you find yourself anxious over AI? The rapid speed of its development, effects on interpersonal relationships, and potential for eliminating work are all valid concerns in their own rights. Realistically, we can’t wish away artificial intelligence – or anxiety for that matter, but we would like to suggest an alternative mindset toward AI and some practical steps to address anxiety.
What is AI anxiety?
AI anxiety can be loosely defined as a fear of technology related to the growth of artificial intelligence and its implications on privacy, wellbeing, and livelihood. Research from meditation app Calm found that 29% of adults expressed feeling anxious about AI. Of those, 31% reported feeling excited or optimistic, while another 18% indicated they felt fearful. The study also found that the emotions brought up by changes to AI aren’t always black and white; one can be impressed while also a little nervous about its development.
Perhaps part of the uncertainty is how many unanswered questions surround this subject. Can AI really do tasks as well as a human can? Will people’s jobs be replaced by robots? Is Skynet really going to take over the world? Kidding aside, while it’s entirely normal to be curious, we should also approach our emotions and responses thoughtfully and with adequate information.
Shifting our mindset around AI
Assuming “AI anxiety” refers to generative AI like ChatGPT, keep in mind that artificial intelligence has already been introduced into many aspects of our lives. For decades, movies like Terminator and Tron have captivated the imagination. Since the 2010s, we’ve asked Siri and Alexa about the forecast or simple recipes to make for dinner. All this to say – people have adapted over the years to technological advances, of which this version of AI is only the latest.
What if, instead, we started thinking of AI as a change, albeit a big one? Considering that people don’t always prefer change (hence the term “creatures of habit”), we have nonetheless accepted tools like laptop computers and smartphones as part of our daily lives. This quote from Chris Mosunic, Ph.D., Chief Clinical Officer at Calm, captures the zeitgeist well:
[R]eality tends to exist in between the extremes, so remind yourself that it’s perfectly normal for opposing emotions or views to be present at the same time. And they can also all feel as strong, real, or true as each other. You can feel fascinated and terrified, anxious and excited, or resentful and grateful.
4 practical steps for addressing anxiety around AI
With this framework in mind, what are some actions for combatting AI anxiety? Here are a handful of suggestions.
1 – Acknowledge the emotions that surface, but don’t suppress them.
As with other changes, the AI of today will take time to adjust to. If you are comfortable, give yourself permission to learn how to use a new feature or tool. Try journaling (we offer some relevant prompts in this post) or speaking to a friend or colleague about your concerns.
2 – Adjust your thinking when your mind jumps to conclusions
In uncertain situations, we might imagine the worst possible scenario. Take a breath, reflect on how you responded to a similar situation – like if you owned an iPod, did listening to your favorite songs bring you joy? Ask yourself if there’s any evidence for your worst fear coming true. Is that concern here now, or is it actually far away? By focusing on the present, you help your mind approach the future from a place of calm and perspective.
3 – Be conscious of what information you take in
Because it’s easy to be drawn in by something dramatic, media tends to exaggerate – just take these headlines for example:
BBC, “The anxiety of being replaced by AI”
Axios, AI job anxiety: It’s real, and coming at the worst time
It’s alright to step back from the constant barrage of news or social media sites; they will be there for you when you come back. Set a dedicated time to engage with these sources if you must. Remember that what you focus on grows in size the more attention you give it, so make sure you’re prioritizing thoughts that benefit your mental fitness. Start by listening to a podcast like The Happiness Lab or reading The 5 Languages of Appreciation.
4 – Find the human connection
Rather than avoiding or living in fear about AI, you don’t have to completely ignore it to live mindfully. Continue connecting with others person-to-person, spending time outdoors, or practicing breathing techniques. AI may enhance other areas of your work and life, but it cannot replace the human experience behind something like a hug or laugh.
What are your thoughts on the role of technology and AI in your current life? If you have felt anxious about the growth of artificial intelligence, have you tried any of the recommendations above? Connect with us on LinkedIn and share what you have learned or something you’ll try.
Additional reading:
Scientific American, “‘AI Anxiety’ Is on the Rise – Here’s How to Manage It”
Nature, “Artificial Intelligence, social influence, and AI anxiety”