Artificial intelligence is a rapidly expanding technological field that aims to improve and transform our daily lives. It helps with work, entertainment, and even decision-making, but sometimes it causes feelings of anxiety for many people. This article explores the reasons behind this phenomenon, based on international research, and propose practical strategies for overcoming it.
The term “AI anxiety,” which emerged in American marketing circles and quickly spread across social media, describes this condition as a mix of fear of the unknown, concerns about the future, and a loss of control. According to a survey of meditation app users, nearly one in three adults (29%) experience anxiety about AI, and 18% describe their feelings as “very anxious.” This is not just a trend: AI anxiety reflects deep social and psychological changes linked to automation and digitalization.
Causes of AI anxiety: from fear of unknown to real threats
AI anxiety arises from a combination of irrational fears and well-founded concerns. One key cause is the “black box” effect: AI systems often operate opaquely and users do not understand how decisions are made, which intensifies the sense of losing control.
At the individual level, anxiety is amplified by low awareness of AI, high baseline stress, and loneliness. External factors include thoughts about AI “encroaching” on human domains such as creativity and employment. This mirrors historical reactions to new technologies: from fears of photography to concerns about mobile phones causing brain cancer. AI anxiety is linked to human activity that feels out of control.
International studies confirm these causes. For example, an observational survey-based study conducted in 2024 found that 96% of respondents expressed fear of death or the end of humanity due to the rapid progress of AI, highlighting the existential dimension of this anxiety. Another study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry in 2025 analyzes the social anatomy of AI anxiety, showing how gender, generation, and level of technological exposure shape its manifestations: women and younger generations report higher levels of concern.
A review of studies presented at the Society for Social Work and Research conference in 2025 revealed that between 38% and 75% of participants experience AI-induced anxiety due to fears of job loss or declining labor value. Another key study, based on an integrated fear acquisition theory, identifies eight factors and four dimensions of AI anxiety, ranging from fear of AI learning processes to concerns about ethics and privacy.
A survey by Pew Research across 25 countries showed that in most regions people express mixed feelings: excitement combined with anxiety about the growing use of AI. In Jordan, a study among children revealed how subcomponents of anxiety (such as fear of job replacement) shape perceptions of healthcare. These findings underscore that AI anxiety is a global phenomenon, connected not only to technology but also to social norms and personal experience.
Impact on mental health and society
A 2026 study by NBC found that people using AI chatbots for emotional support more often report symptoms of depression and anxiety. An article in the Mental Health Journal notes that generative AI therapy chatbots reduce symptoms by 51%, but may also increase isolation. According to Scholarly Kitchen, dependence on AI reduces space for reflection and critical thinking, leading to “AI anxiety” among scholars.
Socially, AI anxiety can slow innovation: excessive fear leads to technology avoidance. This was noted in a 2020 report by the World Economic Forum which projected that by 2025 AI would replace 85 million jobs but create 97 million new ones. This highlights the need to balance concerns with opportunities.
Research from Stanford University warns of AI-related risks to mental health and emphasizes the importance of ethical approaches. In Sweden, analyses of AI anxiety research methods focus on education, proposing methodological improvements for future studies.
Coping strategies: from awareness to practical steps
To manage AI anxiety, experts recommend starting with increased awareness. Read about the benefits of AI, for example in education or medicine, and assess pros and cons objectively.
Cognitive techniques are effective. Ask yourself questions such as: “What exactly am I afraid of? What is the worst that could happen? What can I do?” This allows you to “follow the fear through to the end.” If anxiety is intense, consult a psychologist - AI anxiety is similar to technophobia, and professional support can help.
In practical terms, prepare for career changes: learn to use AI tools while combining them with human skills such as emotional intelligence. According to Deloitte this is key to adapting in the labor market.
Take offline breaks: reducing screen time improves well-being, as shown by a 2022 study in Nature. Use AI for good: apply it to simplify life from navigation in Google Maps to recipes in ChatGPT. Share your concerns: discussing them with loved ones reduces isolation.
From fear to adaptation
AI anxiety is a normal reaction to rapid change, but its excess is harmful to both health and progress. International research shows that it affects millions from students to adults and is linked to global automation trends. The key to overcoming it lies in balance: increase knowledge, apply cognitive strategies, and focus on the benefits of technology. Just as technologies historically caused fear but ultimately improved life, AI can become an ally rather than a threat. The main thing is not to ignore fear, but to work with it consciously.