Coping with AI-nxiety: Strategies for Dealing with Fear of Artificial Intelligence

The recent and rapid growth of AI technology has left even experts in awe. It is now capable of engaging in human-like conversations in various languages, composing music, and successfully passing medical exams.

While the potential benefits of AI in fields such as healthcare are indeed inspiring, the pace of change is rapid and the future remains highly uncertain.

If you’re worried about how AI might affect your career, privacy, or security in the coming years, you might be feeling anxious.

This term, coined by a marketing agency and spreading on social media, describes an uneasy feeling about the effects of artificial intelligence on human creativity and ingenuity.

Anxiety disorders are often associated with difficulties coping with uncertainty and ambiguity. People worry not only about what exists, but also about what is unknown.

The fear of AI stems from a feeling of uncertainty about the possibilities of artificial intelligence, for example, to create fake videos and spread disinformation that polarizes populations.

Some content produced by artificial intelligence can also evoke a negative emotional reaction in viewers. This uncanny feeling when an AI character or voice is eerily close, but not quite, to a human is known as the “uncanny valley”.

It may help to remember that these feelings are not necessarily new. Similar concerns about technological advances such as “computer phobia”, “computer anxiety” and “technostress” emerged as early as the 1980s.

In many ways, the fear of artificial intelligence is similar to the ecological anxiety that many young people feel about climate change. Like environmental pollution, rapid digitization is a result of human activity. Many people now feel that both of these are slipping out of their control.

But AI doesn’t have to rule your life. Worrying too much can affect daily activities and even lead to other medical problems and prevent you from seeing the positive aspects of digital development. Below are three tips for survival.

1. Understand that AI is already here

The lack of familiarity with artificial intelligence technology can cause fear and anxiety towards it. Taking a moment to think about how artificial intelligence is already a part of our lives might make new tools that use similar algorithms less scary.

For example, many people use Apple’s Siri to find nearby restaurants or choose a movie based on Netflix recommendations. Artificial intelligence is also part of learning new languages with Duolingo or using Google Maps to navigate a new city.

2. Prepare for new career prospects

It is almost certain that artificial intelligence will affect the next generation workforce. A 2020 report by the World Economic Forum predicted that AI will replace 85 million jobs by 2025, while AI could potentially create 97 million new roles in 26 countries.

But you can prepare by learning how to use AI tools to their full potential in your current or future career. There are a number of online courses available to give you a better understanding of how AI will impact your industry and help you prepare by developing your digital skills.

However, it is important to remember to keep up with human skills, such as interpersonal skills or emotional intelligence, which AI cannot (yet) replace. A combination of digital and soft skills is needed for the future health of the workforce.

3. Take a break

If you feel tired, turn off digital devices or take a break from screens. Using new AI tools or reading headlines can make you feel anxious or unsure.

Studies have shown that reducing the use of non-work-related digital screens improves general well-being and mood. Ironically, there are helpful digital support tools like Digital Detox that can help you reduce screen time.

You may even be able to enrich your offline life with artificial intelligence or other digital tools. For example, using Google Maps to plan a safe cycling route or asking for a recipe on ChatGPT to cook with friends.

This way, you can take a break from the screen and remind yourself of the benefits that technology can bring to your life – two great ways to reduce your anxiety.

4. Read more about regulation

While you shouldn’t spend all of your time reading it (remember tip number three), it can be helpful to stay up-to-date on AI regulatory developments. Eco-anxiety can be frustrating to feel that governments aren’t taking quick action, but AI sufferers can be reassured that some governments are taking the risks seriously.

For example, the EU has just approved a bill, the Artificial Intelligence Act, which regulates the use of artificial intelligence in society.

AI developers and other technology experts believe that regulating AI is necessary to build trust in the technology before it is used more widely. Good regulation could maximize the value that AI provides to society while minimizing the risks – and anxiety caused by AI.