Blog Spotlight: AI Anxiety: Calm in the Face of Change
Written by Kristi Boyd at SAS Insights, August 13, 2024
We’re taking a break from our regularly scheduled content this week to spotlight a blog posted earlier this week on AI related anxiety. Rather than fear mongering or sensationalizing a personification of artificial intelligence, the author, Senior Trustworthy AI Specialist Kristi Boyd, approaches implications of AI from a human-centric perspective that lends itself toward hope. Kristi succinctly defines AI Anxiety before exploring sources of it. She then gives the reader suggestions for coping with AI related anxiety and includes a framework for navigating the world of emerging technologies (of AI and beyond).
Anxiety is a future focused feeling - it often co-occurs with thoughts predicting worst case scenarios. It’s also not inherently a bad feeling, though often it may be unpleasant to experience. In her article, Kristi writes that, “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.” I appreciate this perspective - starting from a place of curiosity about your own feelings can help you to understand how to respond to them. What specifically is the cause of your anxiety as it relates to artificial intelligence? For example, I’d guess that you’re not worried about the AI that guides your Maps app to a speedier ETA, or the AI functionality of your streaming service that suggests your next show. Maybe AI at large isn’t the cause of anxiety as much as the idea of Large Language Models replacing job responsibilities in your industry is.
Kristi argues that increasing your knowledge and understanding of technology can ameliorate some of your initial anxiety. Sure, it’s unreasonable that we’re all AI experts, but increasing AI literacy can inspire confidence in the way that you engage in your technology use and advocacy. Other sources of anxiety, which Kristi writes about, may include: Lack of Clarity about AI Tech, Job Concerns, Fear of Missing Out, and Ethical AI Concerns.
Once you understand where your anxiety is stemming from, you can make informed decisions to respond and cope. If you’re overwhelmed or confused, you can gain AI literacy. If you’re suspicious about the lack of clarity of AI tool functionality, you can learn more from the entity doing the implementation. If you have job concerns, you might consult with a supervisor, a mentor, or a union rep, or a job coach about the validity of those concerns. If you have a fear of missing out, you can learn to implement from a human centric perspective. Or if you have ethical concerns, you can become an advocate for responsible use of AI technologies.
AI Anxiety and Future Full of Hope:
As a teletherapy provider specializing in serving creatives, over the past few years we’ve seen an uptick in clients seeking therapy for anxiety related to AI technology, ranging from fears about the impact on the job market for human creators to artistic integrity as it relates to AI utilization in the creative process to distress related to agency and ownership of artists’ likenesses. A quick online search for “AI and Hollywood” will produce a number of headlines related to AI use in writing, voice actors’ rights to their own voices, and updates on union strikes and agreements as they relate to AI implementation in creative industries.
Specializing in work with professionals, some of our clients similarly seek therapy for anxiety related to fear for job replacement, of a destabilized tech hiring market, or regarding anxiety related to assumed impending irrelevancy as it seems like everyone is shifting focus to AI integration. For others, there may be a fear of falling behind on industry trends, knowledge base, and expertise.
As a mental health provider, we’ve also seen the AI anxiety ripple effect across the helping professional industry. For example, on one end of a spectrum there’s fear and resistance of new and emerging technology and on the other end a blind acceptance and integration. For medical and mental health providers who specialize in their fields but not technology, adjusting to emergent technological advances can add stress as we seek to respond in a manner that best supports client wellness
If you’ve found yourself anxious about AI, curious about AI’s impact on society, or optimistic about ethical AI implementation and innovation, make sure to check out Kristi’s post AI Anxiety: Calm in the Midst of Change.
How Future Full of Hope Can Help:
And if you’re looking for support in navigating, or coping with, AI related anxiety, follow the button below to get started in therapy with a free 10-15 min consultation with Kevin. Your anxiety in and of itself is not inherently a bad thing - often anxiety can be a motivator, can inspire change and help you to react and adapt. Anxiety related to AI serves as an internal cue that - we help you to make sense out of your anxiety, to develop your skill set to cope with your anxiety, and to support you in managing your anxiety as you navigate this new and emerging technology.
If you’re ready to start therapy to work on improving your sleep, follow the link below to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with Kevin
AI Disclaimer: This post is original and written by Kevin Boyd of Future Full of Hope, PLLC. No AI tool was leveraged in the development of this post
