#043 Midweek Feature - AI and Tech Stress: Why It Happens and How To Deal With It?
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AI BYTE 📢 : AI and Tech Stress: Why It Happens and How To Deal With It?
Technology is changing rapidly, especially with the advent of AI and Generative AI tools like ChatGPT. Not a day goes by when you don’t hear these words at the workplace and on social occasions
While all this sounds exciting, this can also create stress and anxiety for people who fear that they will lose their jobs, skills, or identity because of new technology.
In this post, we will explore the psychological roots of tech anxiety, how it affects people’s behavior and well-being, and what strategies can help you cope with it.
Why new technology is stressful?
Tech anxiety is not a new phenomenon. It has been around since the Industrial Revolution when machines replaced manual labor. However, tech anxiety has intensified in recent years, as AI threatens to disrupt higher-level cognitive functions that people think of as uniquely human.
According to a PwC survey of over 50,000 workers in 2022, 30% were concerned about technology replacing their role within three years, and 39% said they weren’t getting enough tech training at work.
In this year’s survey, 35% had some negative concerns about AI, such as fears that it will take their job, affect their role, or require skills they might not be able to learn.
Tech anxiety can have negative consequences in employees’ mental health, performance, and satisfaction.
It can lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as avoiding or sabotaging new technology or engaging in negative self-talk, such as:
Novelty aversion: Our brains are wired to prefer the familiar and avoid the unknown, as a survival mechanism. New technology can challenge our routines and comfort zones, making us feel uneasy and threatened.
Identity threat: New technology can also affect our sense of professional competence and role identity. We may feel insecure about our skills or abilities, or worry that our jobs will change or disappear because of technology.
Catastrophizing: We may also tend to exaggerate the negative consequences of new technology, such as losing our jobs or failing to learn new skills. This can create a sense of helplessness and hopelessness, which can impair our motivation and performance.
How to cope with tech stress?
Fortunately, there are some strategies that can help us deal with tech stress, such as:
Reframing: This involves changing our perspective on new technology, from seeing it as a threat to seeing it as an opportunity. You can focus on the positive aspects of new technology, such as how it can make you more productive, efficient, or creative.
You can also challenge your negative thoughts and beliefs, such as “I can’t learn this” or “This will replace me”, and replace them with more realistic and optimistic ones, such as “I can learn this with practice” or “This will enhance my role”.
Acceptance: This involves acknowledging and accepting the reality of new technology, without resisting or denying it. You can recognize that change is inevitable and that we have to adapt to it.
You can also accept your emotions and feelings about new technology, without judging or suppressing them., and then use them as signals to take action and seek solutions.
Seek support: A third way to cope with tech anxiety is to seek support from others who are going through the same challenges. You can share your frustrations, fears, and successes with your co-workers, friends, or family members.
You can also ask for help from experts or mentors who can teach you how to use new technology effectively. Also, join online communities or forums where you can find resources and tips on new technology.
Mastery: This involves developing our skills and confidence in using new technology. You can seek training, guidance, and feedback from others who are more experienced or knowledgeable.
Practice using new technology regularly, and celebrate your progress and achievements with your colleagues and friends.
Distraction: This involves taking breaks from new technology and engaging in other activities that can relax us and reduce our stress levels. You can do things that you find fun, enjoyable, or meaningful, such as spending time with friends or family, listening to music, reading a book, or meditating.
Take care of yourself: Last but not least, take care of your physical and mental health. You can do this by engaging in activities that reduce stress and enhance well-being, such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, or leisure.
How can employers help?
Employers also have a role to play in helping their employees cope with tech stress. They can do things like:
Involve employees in the decision-making process about new technology, and solicit their feedback and input.
Provide adequate training and support for employees to learn and use new technology effectively.
Communicate clearly and transparently about the purpose, benefits, and expectations of new technology.
Create a culture of learning and innovation, where employees are encouraged to experiment, collaborate, and learn from their mistakes.
Recognize and reward employees for their efforts and achievements in using new technology.
Final Thoughts
New technology can be stressful at work, but it doesn’t have to be. Tech anxiety is a common and understandable reaction to the fast-paced and disruptive changes brought by new technology. However, it doesn’t have to be debilitating or paralyzing
By understanding the psychological causes of tech stress, and applying some coping strategies, we can overcome our fears and embrace new technology as an ally rather than an enemy.
Employers can also help by creating a supportive and positive environment for their employees to learn and grow with new technology.
Together, we can make new technology work for us, not against us.
