Artificial intelligence (AI) has become part of everyday life. It used to be something limited to the realms of science fiction books and movies, but AI is now here. And it’s here to stay.
AI algorithms and platforms influence people’s searches for information about anything and everything under the sun; ranging from shopping to education and professional life to personal life. Although lots of people enjoy the conveniences of artificial intelligence, that doesn’t mean this technology hasn’t caused a growing number of psychological problems.
According to one source, for instance, prolonged interactions with AI chatbots can lead to or worsen bouts of delusions or mania. Most discussions about AI revolve around technological innovations, but these days, there are numerous psychological issues worth exploring.
Here are five psychological concerns that people commonly have about AI technology.
1. Worrying about job loss and financial instability
One of the most widespread fears about AI is that this technology will steal jobs, making it difficult, if not impossible, for many people to earn money and maintain financial stability.
Goldman Sachs estimates that AI will displace 6–7% of the US workforce. It adds, however, that the same technology will likely create new jobs and that some people pushed out of their jobs by AI could pursue new job opportunities created by AI.
While it’s not all doom and gloom, some people still worry that AI algorithms might be used to replace human employees in the following industries:
- Administrative services
- Customer support
- Transport
- Data science and analysis
- Content generation
- Manufacturing
Researchers have identified a phenomenon known as AI anxiety because of the fear of job loss due to technological developments.
2. Fears about reduced independent thinking
Another common psychological concern is whether AI, or an overreliance on the technology, might stunt people’s ability to think for themselves.
Although people benefit from AI, some are concerned that it might prevent them from thinking and solving problems independently. Some believe that relying too much on AI can damage critical thinking, cause mental fatigue, and hinder memory consolidation.
It’s unclear whether this will cause lasting harm to people or is just a change in human functioning. In any case, this phenomenon worries some people who don’t want to become so completely dependent on systems they can’t fully understand or control.
3. Fears related to privacy and loss of control over one’s life
Modern AI solutions require collecting and analysing large amounts of data, which raises serious privacy concerns for many people. And for good reason.
Facial recognition technologies, surveillance, personalisation, and targeted advertising can trigger feelings of discomfort and insecurity.
Concerns about AI usually increase dramatically whenever AI solutions become linked to monitoring performed by governments, workplaces, or other entities.
4. Concerns related to becoming emotionally dependent on artificial intelligence
Some companies are creating AI chatbots and assistants to help people who need someone to talk to. Although this approach might help address social isolation, it might also encourage emotional dependence on AI.
Possible concerns people have about relying too much on AI for the sort of emotional support people should get from people may include the following:
- Avoiding face-to-face communication with real humans
- Withdrawing and becoming isolated in life
- Unrealistic expectations concerning human interactions
- Emotional dependency on AI solutions
- Inability to tolerate uncertainty in human relationships
Teenagers are particularly vulnerable. They may feel attracted to using AI solutions for social connections because they don’t want to deal with the unpredictability of human interactions.
5. Fear of losing human identity and unique characteristics
Yet another psychological concern about AI is that it could potentially negatively affect people’s uniqueness and creative abilities, leading to loss of identity and special characteristics. Advanced AI solutions can generate various forms of creative content, including paintings, music, and literature. Consequently, people wonder what’ll happen to human creativity.
Some researchers claim that creativity is of significant importance in forming one’s identity and expressing emotions. If people lose this, they could feel empty inside.
Without any doubt, artificial intelligence plays a huge role in contemporary society, affecting people’s daily routine. Psychological concerns described above illustrate how much society is changing under the influence of AI technologies.
On the one hand, AI helps in improving various spheres of life, including healthcare, the economy, and education. It’s also useful for businesses that want custom software with AI baked into the source code for competitive purposes. On the other hand, it’s important to consider the possible implications AI has for psychology and human behaviour.
Adam Mulligan, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
