Kim, J. J. H., Soh, J., et al. (2025).
AI And Ethics.
Abstract
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has raised significant concerns regarding its impact on human psychology, leading to a phenomenon termed AI Anxiety—feelings of apprehension or fear stemming from the accelerated development of AI technologies. Although AI Anxiety is a critical concern, the current literature lacks a comprehensive analysis addressing this issue. This paper aims to fill that gap by thoroughly examining the psychological factors underlying AI Anxiety and proposing effective solutions to tackle the problem. We begin by comparing AI Anxiety with Automation Anxiety, highlighting the distinct psychological impacts associated with AI-specific advancements. We delve into the primary contributor to AI Anxiety—the fear of replacement by AI—and explore secondary causes such as uncontrolled AI growth, privacy concerns, AI-generated misinformation, and AI biases. To address these challenges, we propose multidisciplinary solutions, offering insights into educational, technological, regulatory, and ethical guidelines. Understanding the root causes of AI Anxiety and implementing strategic interventions are critical steps for mitigating its rise as society enters the era of pervasive AI.
Here are some thoughts:
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has led to a growing concern termed "AI Anxiety," which is the apprehension or fear individuals experience due to the fast-paced development of AI technologies. This anxiety is multifaceted, encompassing fears about job security, privacy infringements, the loss of control over AI systems, and the potential for AI to generate misinformation and exhibit biases. While AI Anxiety shares similarities with Automation Anxiety, which arose during the Industrial Revolution with the introduction of machinery, it presents unique challenges. Unlike Automation Anxiety, which was primarily focused on the replacement of manual labor, AI Anxiety extends to the replacement of cognitive and creative skills across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, and education. The pervasive nature of AI, its integration into personal lives, and the ethical dilemmas it raises contribute to a deeper and more complex form of anxiety.