How to cope with AI anxiety

If you’re afraid that artificial intelligence will take over your job, don’t worry; you’re not alone. A recent survey from the American Psychological Association (APA) found more than a third of respondents feared this technology may make their jobs “obsolete.” Believe it or not, your boss and other business executives worldwide feel the same.

Global digital transformation consultancy Kin + Carta found 94% of business leaders admit to “tech anxiety.” The latter refers to the fear that their business will change too quickly and drastically within a few years. AI anxiety is not an official mental health disorder at the time of writing, but there are ways to cope with the uncertainty.

This article will discuss how to handle anxiety due to the uncertainty of digital transformation. It will merge tips from my 2022 article and the Calm app’s website.

The 7 ways you can manage AI anxiety

1. Be honest with yourself
2. Let your feelings flow
3. Focus on what you can control
4. Help yourself instead of waiting for others
5. Invest in yourself
6. Find meaning in the chaos
7. Embrace all things human

1. Be honest with yourself

The first step to fixing a problem is recognizing there is one. If you feel uneasy about artificial intelligence, admit it to yourself. You might declare that truth aloud, write in your journal, post it on social media, or do anything you wish.

Afterward, look deeper into the reasons why you feel that way about it. List why you feel uneasy about ChatGPT and similar tools. Alternatively, you could let the thoughts flow through your fingers and into the paper or tablet.

These methods enable you to understand those negative emotions. Later, you’ll be able to cope, manage, and eventually eliminate that anxiety.

2. Let your feelings flow

Calm.com says we humans excel at fighting our emotions. Often, we exert tremendous effort to avoid uncomfortable or challenging situations. However, that avoidance only worsens your negative thoughts.

The website says you shouldn’t invalidate your emotions. You may feel anxious, so you shouldn’t keep telling yourself you’re overreacting isn’t just ineffective. This quote from Malcome Gladwell’s book, “Tuesdays With Morrie,” may help:

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“If you hold back on the emotions—if you don’t allow yourself to go all the way through them—you can never get to being detached. You’re too busy being afraid.”

3. Focus on what you can control

Most of these sections came from my article about coping with the pandemic. I included them because COVID and AI made everyone anxious, but they elicit the fear of uncertainty.

We cannot control artificial intelligence development. People will develop AI programs even if OpenAI shuts down. However, we could focus on the things we can control.

For example, you can control your preparedness for the AI trend. If you’re afraid you don’t have computer skills, don’t worry. Check out the AI jobs for non-techies in this article.

4. Help yourself instead of waiting for others

This part doesn’t advocate shutting yourself off from your friends and family. You should discuss these fears with people you trust so that you can process them.

However, you must accept that you are the only one who can help you meaningfully. Your friends and family can offer advice, but you must be the one to execute those recommendations.

You could take a breather to calm down if the feelings are too much. However, you must return and find ways to ease your AI anxiety. The best way is to embrace this technology.

5. Invest in yourself

You can adopt artificial intelligence by investing in yourself. In other words, find ways to upskill to qualify for the new jobs this technology will bring.

You can find numerous free courses from Google and Microsoft to help you make sense of artificial intelligence. Devote some of your free time to finishing these.

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Then, continuously expand your knowledge by reading the latest AI trends. Again, the Internet is full of high-quality content that can provide AI education.

6. Find meaning in the chaos

As mentioned earlier, you’re not the only one struggling to keep up with AI development. Even business leaders are straining to adapt themselves and their companies.

However, you must know that artificial intelligence can bring unprecedented productivity and opportunity if you can wield it properly. For example, artists used to fear generative AI tools like DALL-E because they could create art without humans.

However, a few artists recently published an open letter defending the use of generative AI. They said it could help more people become artists. Contrary to popular belief, AI art can have as much “soul” as manmade ones.

7. Embrace all things human

If you fear technology will dominate every human aspect of society, why not unplug temporarily? Start by putting your phone, computer, or tablet down.

Turn off those devices and spend time outside. Walk outside and take time to experience the sights and sounds outside your home. Even better, ask your friends to join you.

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You could start a new hobby like riding a bike or playing basketball. Also, attend events whenever someone invites you. In other words, be present in the now and leave the past and future behind.

Conclusion

More people worldwide fear artificial intelligence will take away their livelihoods and lifestyles. Fortunately, you have many ways to deal with AI anxiety.

For example, you can stop doom-scrolling negative AI news. Instead, try to reconnect with friends and family and try other hobbies disconnected from gadgets.

Note that this article does not provide medical advice. Seek professional help if your feelings of anxiety persist. Check more digital tips and trends at Inquirer Tech.

Frequently asked questions about AI anxiety

Why do people feel AI anxiety?

Studies show many feel AI anxiety because artificial intelligence tools have shown they can perform tasks only humans could do previously. For example, some writers fear ChatGPT because it can write articles, and artists dislike Stable Diffusion for making hyperrealistic images in seconds. Believe it or not, business leaders fear the uncertainty AI brings.

What are the positive effects of AI?

Contrary to popular belief, artificial intelligence has many benefits. For example, it has made numerous people hyperproductive by performing repetitive, time-consuming tasks. Some have elevated their careers by applying it to their existing roles. The best part is that you can work with artificial intelligence even without IT skills.

How can I adapt to AI trends?

You can adapt to AI trends by testing the available programs. For example, you can use ChatGPT for free to learn more about how it works. Then, read more content about these tools to understand how to use them properly. Fortunately, you have numerous free resources, such as the other Inquirer Tech articles.